1966 Triumph 490cc 5TA Speed Twin

Introduced in September 1957 and ‘58, the 3TA and 5TA Speed Twins represented the new era of Triumphs with their integrated engine/gearbox design. These unitary construction vertical twins in 350cc and 500cc respectively had little to distinguish them from each other mechanically apart from a larger bore, raised gearing and larger-section rear tire. The controversial ‘bathtub’ rear enclosure introduced on the Twenty One was retained and the Speed Twin came finished in the model’s traditional Amaranth Red.

The motorcycle offered

This 5TA Speed Twin dates from 1966, the last year of production, by which time the model had lost the rear enclosure and been updated with 18” wheels and 12-volt electrics. The machine was originally purchased from Pembrokeshire Classics Motorcycles of Narberth, Pembroke, West Wales, in the UK, and imported by the owner’s late husband in 2011. It is reported to start and run well – it doesn’t smoke or rattle. At least partially restored at some point in the past to black livery, this rarity in the US is in need of a little re-commissioning to return it to the road, including tires and a general tidy.