Triumph Tiger 500 GP Replica, 500cc. Registration number not...

Estimate

£10,000 - £15,000

Triumph Tiger 500 GP Replica, 500cc. Registration number not road registered. Frame number hard to read. Engine number LR 121272.
Essentially developed from Triumph's Tiger 100, the prototype Grand Prix model debuted in the 1946 Senior Manx Grand Prix, ridden to victory by Ernie Lyons on a rain-soaked course. Cycle components for the new model were similar to the off-the-shelf T100 and featured a rear-sprung hub with 8" brakes. The T100 engine was much modified, incorporating a lightweight alloy cylinder head and barrel as used in the wartime Triumph generator units with twin Amals carburettors on a modified inlet manifold. The valve gear was lightened and polished, racing camshafts were fitted along with high compression racing pistons. Roller bearings, rather than the standard ball bearings, were employed for the crankshaft and the heavy-duty conrods and bearing caps ran directly on the crank pins. A close ratio box was used. The production model debuted in 1948 and the Grand Prix was one of the most exclusive Triumph models built, production being restricted to numbers variously quoted between 150 and 200 examples.
Very little is known about this machine prior to the early 2000's although the vendor has provided comprehensive paperwork showing an engine refurbishment between 2004-2006 with the following equipment, Lees Racing magnesium crank cases, Nourish 500 crank, Carrillo rods, new mains and shells, Tony Hayward belt drive kit, high compression forged pistons, BT-H Magneto, lightened and polished rockers, lightweight valves and race springs. It is believed to have seen little or no use since the build although it has recently been re commissioned with new fluids and top end strip and check (as new inside) which backs up the work in the early 2000's.
Sold with the British Historic Racing - VMCC race registration V4?37 dated 12/03/06 and various receipts for parts and assemble notes.