14/04/2026
While I get the results out for the Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show & Autojumble IS ON Easter Bank Holiday Monday: 6 April 2026 here's the really interesting 1969 Triumph Trident that was on display. It was the first time at this show for this this machine which was raced in the 1973 Zandvoort 600km Production race by its current owner and by Mike Trimby, finishing in 5th place in the 1000cc class.
The current owner also rode it in the 1974 Final Production Race at the TT, and finished in 10th place.
Below are pictured the Trident on Show, owner Graham in action on the Isle of Man in 1974. Book given to the owner by Francis Beart, the great tuner who was active at Brooklands pre-War. (Interestingly, the 1963 AJS 7R also on display at the show was entered by Francis Beart in the 1963 Isle of Man TT, where it won the Junior Manx GP, ridden by Peter Darvill, with an average speed of 92.48 mph). The Inscription by Francis Beart in the front of 'The Vintage Years at Brookland', reading "To Graham from Francis Beart in appreciation of all the work and time you spent rebuilding the Trident motor in the IoM June 1973". This is reference to an unfortunate seizure of the engine the previous year, when following a rebuild by Beart the engine was delivered without oil. Graham rebuilt the engine, but to no avail.
Graham receives his prize from Rex Butcher.
Awesome bike, and well-deserved winner !
