Introduced in 1950 the Thunderbird was effectively a 650cc version of the 500cc Speed Twin that had been in production since 1947. The increase in capacity and power was mainly due to demand from the U.S. market but meant of course that it made an excellent bike to pull a ‘chair’ as in this example. Declared manufactured 1950, but with a ’51 engine it has the later MKII ‘sprung hub’ and an SU carburettor, and is attached to what appears to be a Watsonian side car with Zeppelin style bodywork, there is full weather equipment and a tonneau cover included. Imported from New Zealand in 2003 it has had one owner since and is in generally good order. It remains in largely original ‘oily rag’ condition but seems to have been in regular use as it is taxed until March 2014. The side car set up / toe in is very good as it rides very well, the engine is strong and runs well and is actually a joy to ride. Good combinations are getting hard to find, this is a fine looking set up and a lot of fun to ride. Supplied with current V5C logbook.
