Offered from the Collection of the Late Peter McManus, c.1937 Triumph 343cc 3HW Racing Motorcyc...

Offered from the Collection of the Late Peter McManus c.1937 Triumph 343cc '3HW' Racing Motorcycle (see text) Frame no. F1630 Engine no. 3HW 56234 The highly modified machine offered here, although said to date from circa 1937, has been fitted with the engine from a wartime 3HW military model. When war broke out in 1939, Triumph's entire stock of completed machines was purchased by the War Office, although subsequently the 350cc sidevalve 3SW emerged as the military's favoured mount. The Coventry firm went on to develop a 350cc twin – the 3TW – specifically for military use, only for the destruction of its factory in an air raid in 1940 to scupper the project. Installed in a new factory at Meriden, Warwickshire, Triumph recommenced production of the single-cylinder 3SW and 3HW (overhead-valve) models, the latter being based on the pre-war Tiger 80. This machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed. Footnotes: As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com