1962 Triumph Bonneville

1962 was the final year of Triumph’s often admired jewel-like, pre-unit engine, and duplex framed motorcycles. Delivered new by original Triumph dealer, Ted Evans, in Venice, California, this particular example was purchased in 2013 by Jonnie Green of Ton Up Classics in Los Angeles. Retaining its original matching numbers engine and frame, and adorned with mostly original parts, and in running condition, Green deemed it the ideal basis for one of his award winning full concours-level restorations, which was then performed over an eighteen month period for one of his select clients.

Upon chemical stripping, the bodywork was found to be in excellent undamaged condition, and sent to renowned Triumph painter, Geoff Giammarco, to reapply the spectacular factory original color scheme of Flame over Silver Sheen with gold pin striping. The Duplex frame was also stripped, painted, and treated to new bushings and swing-arm spindle, while the engine was entrusted to the noted specialist, Franz and Grubb in North Hollywood, with assembly completed by Jonnie Green.

Original chrome parts were stripped and re-plated, with the original Dunlop stampings on the wheel rims nicely preserved in the process. Alloy parts were polished, and original nuts and bolts were Cadium plated, providing for a the correct assortment of finishes throughout. The original Lucas horn and rectifiers were retained, and a new old stock wiring harness sourced. The original 376 Amal carburetors were fully refurbished, and the original fuel taps stripped for Nickel and Chrome plating. No part of the motorcycle was left untouched during the restoration, utilizing either original restored, or new-old-stock replacements, including key visual components such as the wonderful original seat cover.

The finished product represents one of the finest ’62 Bonnevile’s extant. Invited to the Quail Motorcycle Gathering in 2018, and road tested on the 117-mile Quail Motorcycle Ride, including demonstration laps at Laguna Seca Raceway, it rides as nicely as it presents on a show lawn. Having been carefully maintained since, and stored in a climate controlled gallery, this wonderful pre-unit Bonneville is to be sold complete with original Ted Evans Triumph order brochure, its original California Black license plate and restored Ted Evans chrome plate frame, and free and clear California Title.