1956 214mph Triumph Bonneville Streamliner

This photo was taken at Gaydon during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Triumph Bonneville in August 2009. This was the machine that gave the model its name, and it's FF! Driven by Johnny Allen, it broke NSU's world record which had been set in their 500cc head first machine by Wilhelm Herz earlier the same year. Allen set a new record of 214.17 mph (averaged over both directions) in September 1956. Still only 650cc, the pushrod twin ran on methanol and is reputed to have made 80 bhp.
The Top Gear Connection
After the Top Gear FF item was shown, the next shot in the programme was of William Woollard standing next to this 'Texas Cigar', as it was nicknamed inside the National Motorcycle Museum. It was very badly damaged in the museum fire but painstakingly restored to its former glory. It is now in the Triumph museum at Hinckley.
More info in the photo of the old NMM information sheet here: http://www.bikeweb.com/node/1799
PNB
Photo: Paul Blezard

1956 214mph Triumph Bonneville Streamliner