1974 Triumph trident 750 slippery sam

Year: 1974

Make: Triumph

Model: Trident 750

Engine Capacity: 750cc

Odometer: 3kms

To understand the significance and value of this motorcycle, you must look at its history and the popularity of racing road Production bikes in the late 1960s and early 70s.

At the time, Triumph wanted to win every race they entered, but didn’t have a dedicated race shop. Racing bikes were often picked from rejected production line models, and finished with limited time and resources.

The alloy fuel tank, rear-set footrests and “Clubman” handlebars were all all available to be purchased as Triumph accessories – as was the brand-new, five speed, Quaife race gearbox. However, what went into the engine wasn’t! Although difficult to tune because there were 3 separate tuning points, when tuned just right, the Trident engine performed at 70+ hp (from the typical 58hp) of useable power from the Production racing engine, which put many of its Japanese challengers to shame.

The 750 Tridents that were produced by Triumph dominated their race class internationally. Piloted by some of the decades top riders including Dick Mann, Paul Smart, Gene Romero and Mick Grant, the Trident recorded an impressive list of podium finishes, including an astonishing 6 first place trophies in the750cc class of the Isle of Man Production TT.

Slippery Sam is the most well-remembered of these Tridents that were raced. This reproduction is 1 of 3 exact replicas which made headlines for a legendary racing incident in 1970 at the prestigious Bol d’Or in France. The team mistakenly mixed Duckhams mineral oil with Castor Racing oil which is not compatible. Throughout the race, this caused a major blockage, spraying oil through the engine breather and covering the rider… Amazingly, the bike finished the race, in 5th, and became known as Slippery Sam.

Between 1971 and 1975 Sam won 5 consecutive first place trophies at the Isle of Man Production TT races. He performed solidly achieving over 2000 miles. The original Slippery Sam was put on display at a the National Motorcycle Museum of Birmingham – and was sadly, destroyed by a fire in 2003.

This reproduction was built by Jerry Leggitt, overseen by the original builder, Les Williams. The reproduction of this took over 3 years and lives up to the legendary status of the original. Featuring a modified stock frame that positions the engine higher, a millimeter perfect replica of the original fuel tank and all the decals and racing livery of the original bike it’s as close to the original Slippery Sam as possible.

This road racing motorcycle can be road registered in Australia, for those of you about to ask the question, there will be no price tag on the piece of history, expressions of interest ONLY.