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Even non-bikers seem to understand the prestige of the Bonneville, it has graced Ralph Lauren and Barbour Clothing store windows, starred in multiple blockbuster movies and fashion campaigns.
The old faithful Bonnie is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time since the very first release in 1959, it has evolved significantly while remaining true to the original design.
Let’s take a look at some of the best Bonneville’s Triumph ever made.
1959 Triumph Bonneville - The very first Bonnie
1959 Bonneville
You can’t have a list of the coolest Bonneville’s of all time and not include the very first model.
The original Bonneville was Edward Turner's last design to make it into production. It was a high performance version of the 650cc T110 Tiger, the main difference being twin Amal carbs and a special better performing cam.
It was named the T120 on the basis it was claimed the new model could do 120mph and ‘Bonneville’ after Johnny Allen's 1956 world land speed record set at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Up until 1963 the bikes were pre-unit construction meaning the gearbox was a separate component, after 1963 however, they adopted unit construction.
Despite being the ‘world's fastest motorcycle’ the Bonneville wasn’t received particularly well initially, although things did change post 1963 and the bikes started to take off.
Estimated Price Today: £20,000/$27,000
1965 Triumph Bonneville ‘Thruxton’ T120R
Only 52 of these models were officially produced although later models did replicate the conversion.
Essentially the 1965 Thruxton which is the inspiration for the modern day Thruxton, was an homologation special for production racing events.
It had an increase in power to 53 horsepower. The bikes used carefully selected components that included new cylinder heads and crankcases.
It is unlikely you will find a surviving original Thruxton today due to the limited numbers originally produced and it would likely cost a small fortune if you did.