I would like to share some photos and story of this 1950 Triumph Thunderbird that I put together back in 2020. Purchased as a rolling project, it included several unique parts that found their way on to this 650cc T-bird back in the 1950s where it competed on the drag strips of Santa Anita Airport and later on the famous Lions drag strip when it opened back in 1953. These parts included a dual carburetor manifold with a pair of remote bowls, A Jomo Tachometer (These were made back in the early 1950’s by Johnson Motors to supply racers with a Tach that Smiths were not offering at that time), Race kit Tachometer Gearbox drive by the exhaust Camshaft, Dunlop rubber saddle, roll off middle stand as well as the Flanders Risers and Handlebar. The owner/rider of this machine was said to have been sponsored by Johnson Motors but unfortunately I do not have any information relating to this.
After the dry build of the bike was complete it was then disassembled for restoration. Durning this restoration no stone was left unturned. The engine was completely overhauled for street use, not full on drag racing. Three piece Crankshaft was split apart cleaned and assembled with new fasteners. The original bait lined connecting rods were no longer serviceable so a brand new pair of Harris Rods were purchased which after grinding the journals can be used using 500cc bearing shells. Standard 3134 profile camshafts were used with standard radius tappets. 9-1 Compression pistons were used with a freshly bored Cylinder. Cylinder Head has been plated which I guess is copper. The head received some very nice porting and polishing back in the day. Twin 276 Type Amal Carburetors were converted back to street jetting, they were jetted for alcohol back in the competition days. Sparks come from a completely overhauled BTH magneto supplying a neat pair of Bakelite KLG Plug Caps. Like the engine the gearbox received a complete overhaul. The main case was replaced due to the mounts being badly damaged, I had on the shelf a case with very little use so new layshaft bushings and mainshaft bearings were fitted resulting in a box as good as new. A new countershaft sprocket was fitted as well as a new Primary drive including brand new chainwheel, plates, chains etc.
New steering head bearing were fitted to replace the old pitted parts. Custom chrome shines brightly on the factory shrouds and other front end parts. New fork tubes, seals, bushings, wheel bearings and brake shoes were fitted. The original Dunlop 19” rim was re-plated and laced with polished stainless spokes. The front tyre is an Avon Speedmaster 3.50X19. Original Flanders risers and wide bars were very popular with riders of that era providing a great riding position.
Both tanks and all cycle parts have been finished in a very pleasing dark blue which gives a nice selection of shades depending on light conditions. The rear fender was widened by an additional inch and gives a strong central support to negate the need for a rear stay. Dunlop saddle was treated to a new cover sourced from the UK. The famous “Sprung Hub” was restored. A combination of chrome plating, polishing and cad plating have transformed this wheel to a thing of beauty. Like the front wheel the original rear Dunlop rim was also re-chromed and laced with new spokes. A 19” Avon safety mileage was fitted. The motorcycle comes with a period Sparto Tail Lamp with a glass lens which provides a stop lamp powered by a total loss 6 volt battery.
The restoration was completed last summer and was entered in the 2021 Born Free custom motorcycle show where it took top honors in the “British” class. Since then the bike has been sold and now resides in a collection in Texas.