1979 T140E
Owner: Eddy Puszkiewicz
THE BONNEVILLE grew into its T140 incarnation by 1973 – initially as a 724cc and then a 747cc unit – by increasing the bore to first 75mm and then 76mm. It gained a front disc brake that year, too. But for 1979, the year when Eddy’s bike rolled out of the Meriden works, the Bonneville took another step into the modern world with the provision of electronic ignition.
It’s a stunning rebuild, considering it was a box of bits six months ago – even though Eddy has owned it for more than 10 years. But that should come as no surprise. Eddy is a man with a passion for oil-in-frame Triumphs; CB photographed his Royal Wedding Special 10 years ago at the Bonneville 50th birthday bash at Gaydon.
“I’m a Triumph man,” he says. “My first big bike was an oil-in-frame Triumph and I love them. It’s a passion. I’ve rebuilt this one from the sludge trap up. Everything is either new or carefully reconditioned. I’ve used stainless steel spokes, fitted new electrics throughout – with the exception of the reconditioned switches – and fitted new Amal MKIIS. The entire fuel system is ethanol compatible now. I sourced an NOS seat and downpipes and the only differences from catalogue spec are the earlier-style grab rail and the external crank breather arrangement so the oil mist doesn’t vent into the airbox.”
Eddy confesses to having “too many bikes…” and, sadly, this one may have to go. “I’m having a clear out and I’m asking £6500, if anyone’s interested,” he says. Contact him on 07860 508493 if you are.
‘I’M A TRIUMPH MAN. I’VE REBUILT THIS ONE FROM THE SLUDGE TRAP UP’