In Brief:

• A handsome example of a celebrated Triumph T110 'Tiger'
• Desirable high-perfomance machine
• Important post-war Triumph with genuine sporting pedigree
• Decent supporting file, demonstrating care and attention paid over time

Auctioneer's Notes:

A handsome example of Triumph’s celebrated sporting parallel-twin, the 1955 Triumph T110 Tiger represents one of the marque’s most desirable high-performance machines of the 1950s. Developed as the faster, more sporting counterpart to the Thunderbird, the T110 was Triumph’s flagship roadster before the arrival of the Bonneville and remains an important model in the development of the British performance motorcycle.

The accompanying history file contains a useful collection of invoices detailing maintenance and replacement parts, indicating that attention has continued to be paid to both its mechanical upkeep and presentation.

Maintenance & Condition:

Invoices within the file record the retrim of the dual seat, together with replacement and renewal of numerous serviceable components including control cables, speedometer cable, magneto control lever, dynamo strap and cover, knee grips and centre stand components.

There is also substantial evidence of ongoing routine maintenance, with various bushes, seals and control cables renewed as required, suggesting the motorcycle has benefited from continued attention to the smaller mechanical and cycle-part components that are important to keeping a classic British motorcycle operating correctly.

History:

The paperwork accompanying the motorcycle provides useful evidence of expenditure on both maintenance and cosmetic improvement. Rather than representing a single restoration, the invoices suggest a programme of ongoing care, with worn or ageing components replaced progressively over time. 

The presence of invoices relating to the seat, controls, electrical fittings and chassis hardware helps to demonstrate that attention has extended beyond the engine itself to the motorcycle as a complete machine.

The Model:

Introduced as a higher-performance development of Triumph’s established 650cc twin-cylinder range, the T110 Tiger was powered by a 649cc air-cooled OHV parallel-twin engine using Triumph’s traditional pre-unit arrangement, with separate engine and gearbox.

The model incorporated performance-focused developments including a higher compression ratio and larger carburettor than Triumph’s more touring-orientated machines. The “110” designation referred to Triumph’s claimed 110mph performance, an ambitious figure that helped establish the motorcycle’s sporting reputation during the period.

By 1955, the T110 sat at the top of Triumph’s production performance range and was one of the fastest British road motorcycles available. Its combination of a powerful 650cc twin, relatively light chassis and classic Triumph styling made it a particularly desirable machine in period.

The T110 also occupies an important place in Triumph history, forming part of the development path that ultimately led to the introduction of the Bonneville, which would become one of the most recognisable British motorcycles ever produced.

Sale Insight:

The Triumph T110 Tiger is regarded as one of the defining sporting motorcycles of the pre-unit Triumph era, combining strong period performance with the unmistakable appearance and character of a 1950s British parallel-twin.

This 1955 example is accompanied by invoices demonstrating continued maintenance and sympathetic improvement, including attention to its controls, electrical equipment, cycle parts and presentation. For collectors seeking an important post-war Triumph with genuine sporting pedigree, the T110 remains a particularly appealing model.

Estimate:
£3,000-£4,000