1957 Triumph Thunderbird

SOLD FOR: $8,025

Seller accepted post-auction offer.

Sold on June 14, 2022

This auction has ended.

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Description

Additional photos of this 1957 Triumph Thunderbird are available here for your perusal.

After World War II, millions of young men came back to the US with money to spend, and Triumph wanted their share of it. So they had Edward Turner design a 650cc machine for the American market. The Thunderbird was created, and its popularity in the USA was cemented when Marlon Brando rode one in “The Wild One”.

When the industry found out that The Wild One was going to paint motorcyclists in a negative light, Bill Johnson of Johnson Motors (Triumph’s US importer at the time) objected: “It should be obvious that the film is calculated to do nothing but harm, particularly to do a minor group of business people—motorcycle dealers throughout the USA. Certainly there is nothing educational about this picture, but on the contrary it raises a most unfavorable presumption against the sport of motorcycling generally, and is a stigma to anyone who owns or rides a motor bike.” But we all know how that turned out!

For ’57, Triumph updated the tank and the striking badge. They also implemented a new chain guard, upgraded the front brake, and revised the transmission internals.

The 649cc twin was good for 34 horsepower, and the overall package weighed 394 pounds dry.

This example is VIN: 01564, Engine #: 6T 01564.

The odometer shows 15,875 miles.

It was restored by Baxter Cycle, and they featured it in their 2018 Classic Triumph Calendar as the cover bike.

Photo from Baxter Cycle

The seller is actor Jesse Metcalfe.

In 2018, Jesse had Garage Company rebuild the front and rear wheels, “fix rear brake”, and detail the bike to the tune of $1,999.

In preparation for the listing, Jesse had us clean the carb, install a new 6V battery, repair the wiring harness, install new fuel line onto the stock fittings, change the engine/transmission/primary oil, and replace the inner primary drive case cover/seals. There is an oil leak, we believe it’s from the crankcase breather (as noted in the video up top).

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, this Thunderbird is offered on a clean California title. The tags have a 2019 sticker however registration was current through December 2021.

Per the California DMV website, it would cost $340 to make registration current through December 2022.

Have any Thunderbird stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!

Additional Information

Location

Santa Monica, California

Year

1957

Make

Triumph

Model

Thunderbird

Title

Clean

Title State/Country

California

VIN

01564

Mileage

15,875

Additional Charges

No

VIN Report

N/A

Private Party/Dealership

Private Party

Total Bids Placed: 20

Auction has ended.

Auction expired without reaching reserve price.

Highest bidder was: j*****e

After the auction ended, the seller accepted an offer of $8,025 including buyer fees.

Bidder Name Bidding Time Bid Auto
j*****e June 21, 2022 10:18 am PDT $6,600 Auto
w**************e June 21, 2022 10:18 am PDT $6,500
j*****e June 21, 2022 10:13 am PDT $6,200
w**************e June 21, 2022 10:13 am PDT $6,100 Auto
w**************e June 21, 2022 10:10 am PDT $5,400
j*****e June 21, 2022 10:10 am PDT $5,300 Auto
j*****e June 21, 2022 10:07 am PDT $5,100
w**************e June 21, 2022 10:07 am PDT $5,000 Auto
w**************e June 21, 2022 10:06 am PDT $4,700
j*****e June 21, 2022 9:38 am PDT $4,600 Auto
m********e June 21, 2022 9:38 am PDT $4,500
j*****e June 21, 2022 9:31 am PDT $4,400 Auto
m********e June 21, 2022 9:31 am PDT $4,300
j*****e June 21, 2022 8:16 am PDT $4,100
m********e June 21, 2022 8:16 am PDT $4,000 Auto
m********e June 16, 2022 4:49 pm PDT $3,100 Auto
m****7 June 16, 2022 4:49 pm PDT $3,000
m********e June 16, 2022 11:37 am PDT $2,057 Auto
l*********y June 16, 2022 11:37 am PDT $1,957
m********e June 15, 2022 12:03 pm PDT $1,000
Auction started June 14, 2022 11:22 am PDT
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Shipping Information

Continental US:
Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.

Please note:

  • spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
  • the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
  • additional details can be found here

Southern California
On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van.

We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405.
Local Rates (one way):
0-50 miles: $150
50-150 miles: $300

Alaska/Hawaii:
Please contact concierge@iconicmotorbikes.com for a quote.

Canada:
We recommend TFX

$1,500 for Los Angeles, CA to Canada is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact TFX for an exact quote including shipping and customs.

Europe and Asia:
We recommend Shippio

$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.

Australia/New Zealand:
We recommend Bikes Abroad

$1,500 for US to Australia is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact Bikes Abroad for an exact quote including shipping and customs.

Sorry, VIN Report not available.

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