"The Speed Twin 5T was made by Triumph at their Coventry and, later, Meriden factories. Edward Turner, Triumph’s Chief Designer and Managing Director, launched the Triumph Speed Twin at the 1937 National Motorcycle Show. It was a 500cc OHV vertical twin in a lightweight frame and the first truly successful British parallel twin, setting the standard for many twins to follow. After World War II the Speed Twin was responsible for the survival of Triumph and every major British marque offered a 500cc twin designed on similar lines to the Speed Twin. Further development led to the 1959 model 5TA with a unit engine and gearbox construction and styling changes including the unpopular 'Bathtub' fairing which became more and more abbreviated as the model developed before disappearing altogether for the last year of production in 1966.Benefitting recently from fresh paintwork, this fine example is presented in the superb colour combination of light green and silver tank which perfectly complement this Triumph's image. Over recent years this 500cc 5TA has had a full rebuild and is described as in good running order; however, some fine fettling still may be required to improve its reliability on the road having not had much use since completion including the clutch benefitting from minor attention and a small oil leak from the rear pushrod covers. We are informed the engine and the gear box perform well and it is described as a generally well sorted example. Whilst rebuilt as a 5TA this Triumph has had panels replaced and an alternative seat fitted to move it away from the original bathtub rear; however, as a number matching example, at the heart of it, it still retains its originality whilst being tastefully altered. Offered with the UK V5C registration document and presented today as a fine-looking Triumph, this is a very usable classic that would be great for ride-outs in the summer!Guide Price £5,000 - £7,000"