-Aage's tribute to Queen Elisabeth

When Triumph factory in Meriden celebrated Queen Elizabeth's 25th year on the throne in 1977, this was in the form of a jubilee edition of their legendary model, Bonneville . Few, if any Triumph models have been more significant to this traditional English motorcycle manufacturer, and the sporty twin became the backbone of Triumph motorcycle production from 1959. The Silver Jubilee model in silver, red and blue is a relatively rare item, but there are still a few examples of the bike here in Norway, more specifically with Triumph enthusiast Aage Gjelsvik in Romerike.

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The British are fond of traditions, and are widely known for their conservative attitudes and love for their own royal family. In 1977, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 25th birthday, and Triumph celebrated the occasion with a very elaborate version of Bonneville T-140. The model was named “Silver Jubilee”, and was of course delivered in silver, packed with small details. With respect for the integrity and position of the royal family Triumph obtained permission from the castle to call the model “Silver Jubilee”, which they immediately approved. In retrospect, one can imagine that if the castle had not given its “approval”, then Meriden could have given the model the name “75-anniversary”, because Triumph celebrated its 75th anniversary as a motorcycle manufacturer in 1977. Two birds with one stone!

Only 1400 copies

Unlike an ordinary Bonneville , the anniversary edition had a number of details, where chrome-plated parts received red and blue pinstriping. This was not at all a coincidence, and emphasized the colors of the English flag. The engine covers were delivered in chrome, and the seat got a red stripe with the logo embossed into the leather at the back. The Silver Jubilee was originally produced in only 1000 copies, which is embossed on the side covers. However, this is not entirely correct. Demand was far greater than Triumph had expected, and thus 400 extra copies were produced. Many of the customers were speculators who considered the model an investment.

Aage's Silver Jubilee

As I said, there are actually a few examples of the Silver Jubilee in Norway, and one of these is at home on the farm of Aage Gjelsvik in Romerike. He has been involved with two-wheelers since the late 1970s, and the focus is on England and Triumph . Motorcycles from there are in high demand, and Aage is among the more active members of the Norwegian Triumph club. The anniversary Bonneville was purchased at Bømlo near Bergen. Since Aage doesn't mind longer excursions on English classics, he got on the plane to Flesland, and just as well rode the bike over the mountain and home to Akershus in glorious spring weather late in May 2008. Towards the end of the ride over the mountain, the bike started to slip a bit on the clutch. This was therefore replaced, even though the bike only had 3850 miles on the speedometer when he picked it up. In addition, he has repaired and painted the tank, as it had a dent. When asked by me why he bought this particular Triumph, he answers that; “The reason I bought this bike was that it appeared online just after I had started considering buying an old Bonneville . Since this one was a bit rare and had also been used very little, I jumped at the chance.” Not a bad idea, I think, because you won’t find this particular 750cc bike on every street corner.