Linley’s look-alike Bonnies star at Stafford sale

Biking royal Viscount Linley is offering his two matching old/new Triumph Bonnevilles for sale this weekend.

The two black machines appear virtually identical but are actually completely different and were built over 20 years apart. The older bike is a 1979 Meriden T140V, the younger a Hinckley-produced 2001 790cc Bonneville.

Both have covered around 25,000 miles and the newer machine has been subtley remodelled to resemble the older machine.

Bonham’s say Linley was after a Triumph that looked like it was made in the 1960s but was as dependable as a new model.

Accordingly, Linley’s personal mechanic replaced the tank badges, seat, lights, mudguards and silncers with old-style components. Both machines now have virtually identical black tanks with matching knee pads and badges.

The two bikes are estimated to fetch between £1500 and £2500 each and are among the highlights of Bonham’s auction of Important Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors Motorcycles on Sunday at this weekend’s International Classic Motorcycle Show at the Staffordshire County Showground.

Other highlights of the sale include a machine dubbed the world’s first production motorcycle, an 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmuller and a fully-restored 1938 Brough Superior SS100 which is expected to fetch well in excess of £100,000.

For full details on the sale, go to www.bonhams.com.

The Stafford Show runs from Saturday through to Sunday. Entrance is £10 adults, £8.50 seniors, £3.50 children.