1959 T-120 Bonneville

[Big Pappy]

Good Morning All,

I know a gentleman who has a warehouse kept 1959 T-120 Bonneville in near mint condition. Actually, he's my father-in-law and since it's been sitting for 15+ years I'm hoping I can weasel it out of him on some type of payment plan and get it running again. He's too busy with his 6+ corvettes to do anything with it and it's a shame to have it sit.

I've been reading up on these bikes and wanted some owner's opinions on this bike in any form. It would be my first street bike.

How hard I should be pushing to take this off my dad-in-law's hands?

What's the estimated worth of this bike?

Is it as much of a dream and special bike in the Triumph history as many websites say?

He also has a 1974 Penton Hare Scrambler (heavily ridden in 70's will need some work) which the vintage dirt bike guide gives 8 out of 10 stars. Any thoughts on this one as well?

All help appreciated,

Big Pappy Chris  

[TriSpec]

Chris,

What makes the 1959 model Bonniville special was that it was the first, of the many which followed with the same name. As it was basically a twin-carb Tiger 110 it was the only year when it had Triumph's famous nacelle. Personally I think that it was the best as it didn't suffer the later design problems of oil-in-the frame, vibration, etc. of later models.

Peter C.

[big_Al]

Hi,I have the '59 T110(the sngle carb type)and I really think its one of the best years to own.I also have other triumphs but this is my favourit!As to the value, it depends if your buying or selling as the old saying goes.In the condition its in it'll need some work to get it running.I bought mine in the same state....I'd give £4000 no problem(you can convert this into$s)...Al

[grommit]

I think you will find the value is whatever someone is willing to pay if it is near mint.£8000 to £9000 is not out of the question...thats about 15000 dollars US

[neale]

Yes, I agree with all of your replies,this model is not really a good looker as are the 1960 onwards models,but with the single downtube frame the vibration is kept at an acceptable level.The 1960 - 62 models had the appalling twin downtube frame and the vibration is really bad.The carb set-up of the 1960 onwards models was much better and you could actually get a tickover !! Your model is rare and being of only one year in production is quite sort after.