1973 Triumph T140 750cc Motorcycle

Description

With a history dating back to 1902, Triumph quickly established a fine reputation for building powerful and rapid motorcycles, becoming one of Britain's foremost exponents of two-wheeled machinery.  Under new ownership in the 1930s, Triumph began turning out some highly successful bikes, starting with the Tiger family of singles followed by the legendary Speed Twins.  The history of the Meriden-era Bonnevilles began in 1958, with the launch of the T120 model at the Earls Court Show.  Featuring a twin carburettor 650cc engine and single downtube frame, the new Triumph was named after Johnny Allen's record-breaking efforts with the famous 'Texas Cigar' streamliner on the famed Bonneville salt flats during the 1950s.  The Bonnie quickly established itself as the fastest production motorcycle of the day and went on to become an all-time classic.  In 1973, the original Type 120 was replaced by the larger 750cc Type 140V featuring a revised frame, five-speed transmission and front disc brake, but it was launched in difficult times, with the British motorcycle industry struggling against the onslaught of the Japanese competition and industrial unrest.  A new company, Norton-Villiers-Triumph, was formed in an attempt to halt financial losses but the prospect of relocating production away from the Meriden factory caused a huge outcry.  A co-operative was established in March 1975 to resume manufacture of the Bonneville at Triumph's traditional home - a move that ultimately proved futile and the door was finally closed at Meriden in 1983, ending a proud chapter in British motorcycling history.  Nonetheless, the T140V was a fabulous motorcycle and like all the Bonneville family, highly collectible today.