{"id":1869777,"date":"2026-04-07T14:15:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T11:15:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869777"},"modified":"2026-04-07T14:15:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T11:15:45","slug":"one-off-metisse-triumph-8-valve-racer-set-for-stafford-bonhams-auction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869777","title":{"rendered":"One-off M\u00e9tisse-Triumph 8-valve racer set for Stafford Bonhams auction"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

A striking and highly individual British special is set to go under the hammer at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale, taking place during The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash on April 25\u201326.<\/p>\n

The machine in question is a c.1969 M\u00e9tisse-Triumph T140V 750cc 8-valve racing motorcycle<\/strong>, a one-off build combining classic Rickman M\u00e9tisse chassis design with a carefully engineered Triumph-based power unit.<\/p>\n

\"M\u00e9tisse-Triumph<\/figure>\n

A race-bred concept brought to life<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This unique machine was built by a private vendor inspired by the M\u00e9tisse-framed racers of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly those prepared by Tom Kirby.<\/p>\n

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The project began with the acquisition of an original M\u00e9tisse Triumph race frame, complete with M\u00e9tisse forks, wheels and disc brakes. Although previously modified to accommodate a Weslake engine, the frame remained straight and suitable for redevelopment.<\/p>\n

From there, the build evolved into an ambitious engineering project centred around creating an eight-valve Triumph engine<\/strong>, using components from the Triumph TSS alongside T140V crankcases and gearbox.<\/p>\n

\"M\u00e9tisse-Triumph<\/figure>\n

Engineering detail and development<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The engine combines a range of Triumph components, including a crankshaft, con-rods, pistons, cylinder barrels and cylinder head, with modifications required to accommodate the TSS barrels on the T140 crankcases.<\/p>\n

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The crankcases were machined to suit, allowing the barrels to be fitted while retaining the original stud positions. The engine features a polished and balanced crankshaft, alloy racing con-rods, Nourish \u2018Z\u2019 cams, and 32mm Amal Concentric Mk2 carburettors. Ignition is provided by an Electrex system.<\/p>\n

The frame itself was refinished, with new rear and lower lugs fabricated before being polished and re-nickel plated. A central oil tank was added, while the frame now serves as an engine breather catch tank.<\/p>\n

Bodywork, including the fairing, seat, tank and mudguard, was produced from original M\u00e9tisse moulds and finished in red with ivory fairing panels.<\/p>\n

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Track use and proven performance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Since completion, the M\u00e9tisse has been successfully used in a variety of events, including parade laps at the Isle of Man TT in 2018 and 2019, where it averaged 80mph.<\/p>\n

It has also appeared at circuits including Mallory Park and Cadwell Park, and was awarded Best Race Bike<\/strong> at a M\u00e9tisse event held at Sammy Miller\u2019s museum.<\/p>\n

Following an early issue with exhaust valve seats\u2014a known characteristic of TSS cylinder heads\u2014a replacement Nourish cylinder head was fitted, with the necessary modifications carried out to complete the installation.<\/p>\n

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According to the vendor, the machine is reliable, starts easily and offers strong handling characteristics.<\/p>\n

\n
\"M\u00e9tisse-Triumph<\/figure>\n
\"M\u00e9tisse-Triumph<\/figure>\n
\"M\u00e9tisse-Triumph<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

A registered and documented example<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Since April 2023, the motorcycle has been registered as an \u201coff-road\u201d vehicle, with registration carried out to meet overseas racing requirements.<\/p>\n

While frame number 204H<\/strong> is used for registration purposes, the original Rickman frame number R527<\/strong> remains stamped on the headstock.<\/p>\n

Factory records confirm that frame number R527 was built in October 1969 as a Triumph T100\/T110 SM and supplied new to Westbury Motorcycles.<\/p>\n

The machine is offered with additional parts, documentation, a V5C registration certificate, and a copy of Derek & Don Rickman: The M\u00e9tisse Story<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Heading to Stafford<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This distinctive M\u00e9tisse-Triumph will be offered as part of the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale<\/strong>, held during The International Classic MotorCycle Show at Staffordshire County Showground on April 25\u201326.<\/p>\n

Plan your visit<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The International Classic MotorCycle Show is one of the biggest events in the classic motorcycling calendar, bringing together hundreds of machines, traders and enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

Advance tickets are available now, with visitors able to save 21% per ticket<\/strong> by booking ahead.<\/h5>\n

\ud83d\udc49 Book your tickets here: https:\/\/bit.ly\/4mbNpbW<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A striking and highly individual British special is set to go under the hammer at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale, taking place during The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash on April 25\u201326. The machine in question is a c.1969 M\u00e9tisse-Triumph T140V 750cc 8-valve racing motorcycle, a one-off build combining classic Rickman M\u00e9tisse […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,248],"class_list":["post-1869777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-fastbikesmag-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1869777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1869777"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1869777\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1869777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1869777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1869777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}