The Thunderbird name has shown up on 3 distinct models of the Triumph line since 1949 – this 6T model is from the original series. For its public launch, three production bikes were ridden from the Meriden plant to a circuit near Paris where they were then ridden over 500 miles at an average of 92 miles per hour. The bikes were then ridden back to Meriden.
The Triumph Thunderbird 6T was created as the firm’s stab at the American market – they bored out their early 500cc parallel twin engine from the Speed Twin as American customers wanted more power. The bike also gained further popularity as it was the featured vehicle in a Marlon Brando film, the Wild One – though Triumph’s American importers originally objected to its usage in a movie featuring “rowdy motorcycle gangs.” The T-bird pushed out 34 horsepower to a four-speed transmission, and the bike weighed 397 pounds wet. I much prefer the earlier Thunderbird years as they weren’t afflicted by the hideous ‘bathtub’ fairing that was introduced in 1960.
This specific Triumph Thunderbird 6T has received a “better than new” restoration 6 months ago, since which the bike has ridden 78 miles. The bathtub panels were restored and are included, but not mounted as they look terrible.
Find this Triumph Thunderbird 6T for sale in Brandon, Florida with bidding up to $6,100 and the reserve not yet met