Tracing the lineage of one of motorcycling’s most iconic machines, the Triumph Bonneville, takes us back to 1958 and the London bike show when a twin-carbureted version of the T110 Tiger was shown for the first time and with the designation “Bonneville” honoring Triumph’s U.S. Class C record run of 147.32-mph at the Utah Salt Flats.

By 1961 the “Bonnie” started to take its final form and firming up its reputation, and sales, with a number of competition wins. It was also voted that year’s Fastest Bike by MotorCycling magazine. Fitted with twin Amal monobloc Amal carbs, the 649-cc twin, as available to the public, offered 117-mph thrills.

By 1963 the Bonneville was now of unit construction design as was this 1964 Bonneville T120R. The roadster version of the TT race ready machines, it benefitted from new front forks including external springs covered in rubber gators and its gauges were now Smiths Magnetic units.

This professionally restored 1964 model from the Baker Collection, gleaming in factory Gold and Alaska White is virtually unridden and appearing as only requiring oil and fuel to fire up.