Craigslist | 1956 Triumph 5T SpeedTwin – The Bike That Saved Post-War Triumph

Seller based in Oregon is offering a clean-looking 1956 pre-unit model that has been updated in places (we hope to make it reliably rideable.)

This later matching-numbers SpeedTwin was probably assembled at Triumph’s Meriden Plant int he Midlands, and produced in the neighborhood of 30hp from its 500cc parallel twin. 

The owner claims to have owned this one since the 70s, and has repainted it robin’s egg blue with a silver stripe. Seller lists a refurbished electrical system, fresh tires, and some recent carb work—though we are a little skeptical about the work given some of the materials we see in the photos. Closer inspection of the photos indicates that some of the fuel lines and possibly some of the brake cables have been replaced at some point—possibly by the seller. 

Chrome and seat both appear in good condition, though there isn’t mention of much else. The bike sports a couple of nice looking racks, one on the tank, and one on the rear. 

Seller is asking $9550, which it too high if the work here is is sub-par, but a close inspection pre-purchase might get you to a good price for a real classic that would be a fun ongoing project.