Looking for my bike
1964 TriumphTrophyTR6SS,reg.419 EER
One reader's search for his lost Trophy
From time to time over the years I would dig out the old photos of yesteryear, in particular those that relate to my motor cycling days of the mid 1960's, they bring back fond memories of a simpler, more carefree period in time. However of all the bikes / cars I have owned over the years, there is only one that's haunts me - The Triumph Trophy TR6SS.
By THE TIME I MADE IT TO THE RIPE old age of 14, I knew I wanted to get a motorbike. So I started working before and after school and at the weekends so that when I reached my 16 birthday and I could apply for my provisional licence and {hopefully) afford to buy my first motorbike. Even at the age of 14 I already had my heart set on a Triumph Bonneville, to me there was no other bike that could get close to generating the 'must have' feelings in my heart/ head. The law back then stated that learners could only ride a bike with a maximum capacity up to 250cc, so my first bike would be something more suitable not to mention safer for a novice, than a Bonneville. During the next two years, that seemed like an eternity, I saved what I earned, sold some of my records and my beautiful 10-speed racing pushbike.
By the time of my 16th birthday and whilst still at school, I was lucky enough to be able to purchase my first motorbike, which was a 250cc Ariel (Golden) Arrow SS.
It turned out to be a good choice and it served me well, time passed and at my second attempt, I managed to convince the driving examiner to pass me! Then my thoughts returned (they never really went away) to my dream of the big Triumph twin, the Bonneville.
However fate was to play a part in the process. Now working, my route to and from work each day took me passed a small bike shop and one day on my way home, as I passed the bike shop, I spied, taking pride of place in the small window on an elevated platform, a beautiful Triumph; my mistake was stopping to take a look.
I could see straight away that this was not a Bonneville but a Trophy because of the single carb and the tank colour of 'Flamboyant Scarlet/ Silver'. This was a Triumph TrophyTR6SS (photo below), it was a case of I must have this beautiful Triumph, but there was a price to pay, as well as the obvious financial one!
PQ
Not a Bonneville but a Trophy because of the single carb and the tank colour of 'Flamboyant Scarlet/ Silver'. This was a Triumph Trophy TR6SS
Back then shops of all kind did something called 'Lay Away'. I did not have enough money for the minimum deposit required to get my hands on this beautiful bike, however the shop was willing to 'Lay Away' the Trophy, for an initial deposit and a regular weekly payment until I had built up enough for the minimum deposit required. Plus I also had then to convince my Dad to sign as guarantor for the HP,not an easy task! Then, and only then, would I actually be able to ride away on my new bike.
However there was an additional
'Sting in the Tail' -The shop would only 'Lay Away' the Trophy on the additional condition that I sold them my Ariel Arrow SS then and there, forming part of the deposit! So I 'paid the price', sold them my Ariel and spent the next two-three months without any bike - that's how much I wanted the Trophy.
At this point there are two questions that may come to mind: Was the Trophy worth the wait? And would I do it again? Absolutely.
When I eventually got it, the Trophy was all I expected and more, a superb bike against any measure you cared to use. It had a four gallon tank and the long 'Resonator' silencers, the sound that came out of them could only be bettered by a BSA 500 Gold Star, plus if the Goldie was running on Castrol R,the sound plus the smell was addictive.
The Trophy was a joy to ride every day, it was just waiting for the open road, a twist of the throttle and the horizon came up fast, very fast.
In the early 1960's Triumph's had a reputation for interesting handling characteristics. I can only say that my experience with this 1964 model Trophy was that no matter what you asked of it, it delivered. All thanks to Doug Hele's mods, to the frame in 1963 and forks in 1964, I'd say. On a straight road with the speedo in three figures, or pushing through 'S' bends, even if you had to back off the throttle whilst still cranked over, there was no twitching; the Trophy was as always rock steady. No 'Featherbed' required.
However, approximately 18 months later in about 1966/7, I sold the Trophy not one of my better decisions.
THE SEARCH BEGINS
I retired a few years ago and so have had the time to start the search for my 'Old Friend' -The Trophy. My search began with some (incorrect) as it was to tum out, assumptions, which basically were that the Trophy would look exactly as I last saw it (Refthe 1964 photo below) maybe needing some refreshing and for the right price the current owner may be willing to sell it. How wrong was I to be!
I placed adds in various publications No Responses.
Contacted the DVLA,they wrote back saying they could not divulge details of the current keeper (Data Protection) for the reason of contacting them to view and possibly purchase a vehicle. In the back of my mind I already knew their response but I thought let's try anyway.
Searched the internet and auction houses - No Joy.
Contacted the TOMCC,the Trophy was not on their database, add placed in their magazine - No Joy.
Then I placed an advert in the VMCC magazine, and lady luck smiled, I was contacted by someone who had found the Trophy as a wreck in the early / mid 1970's and carried out a superb restoration - see below. When the restoration was competed, the law about front number plates not being required had come into force and so the Trophy's front plate was never refitted, and as luck would have it and after all these years, he still had the front plate. We exchanged photos and to my surprise with photos I received, came the 'Original Front Plate'. We have since met up, and regularly keep in touch.
The restorer sold the Trophy to a friend in 1976,who Ibelieve is still the current owner.
Last road tax expired 30th September 1978.
Throughout this search Ihave had help from the TOMCC,various sections of the VMCC,plus responses from total strangers (Motorcycling Fraternity), but still the Trophy remains ELUSIVE!
IN SUMMARY
I believe the Trophy to be laid up in the South Hertfordshire area, in good hands, but out of sight. I can provide the current owner with photos of the Trophy in original colours and some early history. We could reunite two bikers (Restorer and his Friend) who have not seen each over in over 40 years. And lastly, I hopefully could get to see my 'Old Friend' the Trophy again. Ifyou could help, please contact me! 07981 530392 / email - trophytr6@talktalk. net Alan Plant