A striking and highly individual British special is set to go under the hammer at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale, taking place during The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash on April 25–26.
The machine in question is a c.1969 Métisse-Triumph T140V 750cc 8-valve racing motorcycle, a one-off build combining classic Rickman Métisse chassis design with a carefully engineered Triumph-based power unit.
A race-bred concept brought to life
This unique machine was built by a private vendor inspired by the Métisse-framed racers of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly those prepared by Tom Kirby.
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The project began with the acquisition of an original Métisse Triumph race frame, complete with Métisse forks, wheels and disc brakes. Although previously modified to accommodate a Weslake engine, the frame remained straight and suitable for redevelopment.
From there, the build evolved into an ambitious engineering project centred around creating an eight-valve Triumph engine, using components from the Triumph TSS alongside T140V crankcases and gearbox.
Engineering detail and development
The engine combines a range of Triumph components, including a crankshaft, con-rods, pistons, cylinder barrels and cylinder head, with modifications required to accommodate the TSS barrels on the T140 crankcases.
The crankcases were machined to suit, allowing the barrels to be fitted while retaining the original stud positions. The engine features a polished and balanced crankshaft, alloy racing con-rods, Nourish ‘Z’ cams, and 32mm Amal Concentric Mk2 carburettors. Ignition is provided by an Electrex system.
The frame itself was refinished, with new rear and lower lugs fabricated before being polished and re-nickel plated. A central oil tank was added, while the frame now serves as an engine breather catch tank.
Bodywork, including the fairing, seat, tank and mudguard, was produced from original Métisse moulds and finished in red with ivory fairing panels.
Track use and proven performance
Since completion, the Métisse has been successfully used in a variety of events, including parade laps at the Isle of Man TT in 2018 and 2019, where it averaged 80mph.
It has also appeared at circuits including Mallory Park and Cadwell Park, and was awarded Best Race Bike at a Métisse event held at Sammy Miller’s museum.
Following an early issue with exhaust valve seats—a known characteristic of TSS cylinder heads—a replacement Nourish cylinder head was fitted, with the necessary modifications carried out to complete the installation.
According to the vendor, the machine is reliable, starts easily and offers strong handling characteristics.
A registered and documented example
Since April 2023, the motorcycle has been registered as an “off-road” vehicle, with registration carried out to meet overseas racing requirements.
While frame number 204H is used for registration purposes, the original Rickman frame number R527 remains stamped on the headstock.
Factory records confirm that frame number R527 was built in October 1969 as a Triumph T100/T110 SM and supplied new to Westbury Motorcycles.
The machine is offered with additional parts, documentation, a V5C registration certificate, and a copy of Derek & Don Rickman: The Métisse Story.
Heading to Stafford
This distinctive Métisse-Triumph will be offered as part of the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale, held during The International Classic MotorCycle Show at Staffordshire County Showground on April 25–26.
Plan your visit
The International Classic MotorCycle Show is one of the biggest events in the classic motorcycling calendar, bringing together hundreds of machines, traders and enthusiasts.
