Always a step ahead of their rivals, Triumph followed up the trend-setting Speed Twin 500 of pre-war days by being first in the field with a 650cc parallel twin. Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph’s response to demands for more power emanating from American racers and British sidecarists alike. A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the banked Montlhéry circuit in France at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100mph-plus and were then ridden back to the Meriden factory, a quite outstanding achievement.
Kenneth Robert Howard (September 7, 1929 – September 19, 1992) was the son of a Los Angeles sign painter, learning the trade to be accomplished professional pinstriper by the time he was 10 years old. Deemed as “stubborn as a Dutchman” by his family, Kenny became Von Dutch. From Compton High School, he started working for custom car legend Dean Jeffries, painting and striping innumerable important custom cars from all of Hollywood’s dignitaries, including Marilyn Monroe.
An avid gunsmith and knife maker, Von Dutch made numerous art knives and embellished firearms. He built strange motorcycle concoctions, all featuring his unique artistic flair in pinstriping or engraving. He spent many years with Stan Betz and his House of Color custom paint shop and then with the Brucker Brothers at Movie World, where he also made some rather interesting props.
Von Dutch finished his career with legendary Hollywood stunt man, Bud Ekins, working in his Los Angeles shop on many custom motorcycles for the likes of Bud’s close friend, Steve McQueen.
The 1951 Triumph Thunderbird on offer here is reported to have been owned originally by Gabe Dell, an accomplished actor of the 1940s and ’50s as a member of Leo Gorcey’s Bowery Boys. He went on to act in such TV shows as Mannix, Barney Miller and The Fugitive. His bio can be seen here and here. In 1964, the bike was offered to Von Dutch for a refresh of the paint, likely for little more than a 6-pack of beer. Dutch painted the bike, adding subtle pinstripes on the fenders and the irresistible embellishment of hand painted warning on the oil tank and Triumph’s patent logos on the the rear fender and nacelle along with Thunderbird logos. Tucked in on the rear fender is Von Dutch’s signature, dated ’64.
This now quite rare sprung axle example of the inimitable Triumph Thunderbird is offered in wonderfully preserved condition. Sporting a black/yellow license plate to confirm it’s registration back to 1963 and likely earlier, it was recently acquired and treated to a very sympathetic detailing to preserve the provenance, while a mechanical recommissioning brought the bike back to life. In great running condition, the bike will not disappoint as a classic rider, a piece of custom bike history or a pop-art sculpture.
Engine no. 6T 6371 NA
Location: Ventura, California
SOLD
