Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, British bikes set the benchmark for motorcycle performance. After Triumph had introduced the Bonneville in 1959, the company returned with the TT Special, made from 1963 to 1967, and offered exclusively in the US market. The bike was so named for the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where the British marque had laid claim to numerous motorcycle speed records, and to honor the fearless Johnny Allen, whose streamlined 650-cubic-centimeter Triumph set the then-land speed record of 193.3 mph.

Intended to appeal to TT scramble and flat track riders, the Bonneville T120-based Special was a ready-to-race production machine that stripped away basic comforts for an intoxicating riding experience. Compared to the street bike, Triumph engineers streamlined the machine by removing the battery and carrier, exhaust silencer, headlight, horn, passenger footpegs, speedometer, and taillight assembly. An instant hit and victorious challenger in US-based TT races and flat track events, the Bonneville TT Special gained a fearsome reputation in competition, as well as for rider comfort and performance.

The six bikes offered here present in fully restored condition, all commissioned and running, with the work understood to have been overseen by the late, Michigan-based authority on Triumph bikes, Bill Hoard. This ready-made collection of historically significant TT Specials will appeal to any serious collector—or someone who wants to start out their Triumph stable with the best.

1963 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE TT SPECIAL

Engine No. T120 DU3258

The earliest bike of the collection, this 1963 example hails from the first year of Bonneville TT Special production. The gas tank and both mudguards are finished in Alaskan White, while a headlight blanking plate and side plate feature racing #63. Powered by a 649-cubic-centimeter air-cooled parallel-twin engine paired with a four-speed gearbox, the model achieved 13.34 seconds to 100 mph with a top speed of 123.5 mph, according to a Cycle World test in May 1963. The bike draws instant comparisons to Steve McQueen’s custom 1963 TT Special.

1964 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE TT SPECIAL

Engine No. T120C DU10522

Distinguished by its copper-and-cream gas tank paintwork, this 1964 model improves on the earlier bike with a revised cylinder head design, new forks with external springs, magnetic tachometer by Smiths, and aluminum-alloy body panels. A 649-cubic-centimeter air-cooled parallel-twin engine is factory-rated for 52 horsepower and paired with a four-speed gearbox. Fitted with racing #64. The model is famous for its use in the Baja 1000 and the International Six Days Trial by Steve McQueen.

1965 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE TT SPECIAL

Engine No. T120C DU15616

Wearing a Pacific Blue and silver gas tank with the racing #65, differences from the 1964 bike include new pistons, downswept TT-style exhaust, folding footpegs, and removal of the center stand as standard. A 649-cubic-centimeter air-cooled parallel-twin engine is factory-rated for 52 horsepower; paired with a four-speed gearbox, it is capable of well over 100 mph.

1966 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE TT SPECIAL

Engine No. T120TT DU39400

Alaskan White paint for the gas tank and mudguards is complemented by Grenadier Red stripes. Compared to earlier bikes, the 1966 model’s frame is revised with a more relaxed 62-degree head angle, while mechanical differences include drive sprockets changed to a 17-tooth gearbox and 46-tooth rear, a slimline 2.5-gallon gas tank, and aluminum-alloy mudguards. Powered by a 649-cubic-centimeter parallel-twin for 52 horsepower, paired with a four-speed gearbox. Wears the racing #66.

1967 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE TT SPECIAL

Engine No. T120TT DU61377

The gas tank is finished in striking Aubergine and Alaskan White, complemented by racing #67. Changes to earlier models include the introduction of Hepolite pistons, revised inlet camshaft, and polished stainless steel body panels. The factory-claimed power output is raised to 54 horsepower from the 649-cubic-centimeter parallel-twin engine. Once again, it features an integrated four-speed gearbox.

1967 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE TT SPECIAL

Engine No. T120TT DU45836

The second 1967 model of the collection, this example wears an Aubergine and copper gas tank with stainless steel mudguards, also complemented by the racing #67. It is powered by a 649-cubic-centimeter parallel-twin engine, again making for the increased 54 horsepower, that is paired with a four-speed gearbox.