Friday, June 15, 2012

James Dean - 1955 Triumph Trophy

James Dean had the good taste to own not only a Porsche 550 Spyder...

3 comments:

Lee said...

Yes, James Dean's last bike was a 1955 Triumph TR5 Trophy, VIN TR559196, that was purchased new from Ted Evans Motorcycles on Washington Blvd. in Culver City. The TR5 Trophy (high piped exhaust) had a 499cc engine with 33 hp at 6,500 rpm. It was painted shell blue, but had the older 6T style seat with the passenger pad. James Dean added a high-rise Fleener handlebar. Today, James Dean's fully restored TR5 Trophy is featured on display at the Fairmount Historic Museum, Fairmount, IN, along with Jimmy's first motorcycle, a Czech CZ125. See: James Dean At Speed (Amazon.com) for photos and text on all of Jimmy's bikes and cars.
Lee Raskin,James Dean historian and author.

BitMonkey said...

Wow Lee. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'll check out the book.

I probably should have been more clear. The bike in the photo is not actually James Dean's but is a replica. I didn't have any idea where the original was. Thanks again.

Lee said...

BitMonkey..Congrats on a beautiful restoration! The background in your photo almost looks like James Dean's former farm in Fairmount, IN! Noted only that your original seat is different -- as JD changed to the TR6 version. James Dean At Speed can be personally inscribed and autographed. Sold on Amazon.com by JamesDeanHistorian...that would be me! Lee Raskin

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