With all the attention on the ‘new wave’ custom scene, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the older workshops that have been quietly operating for years or decades. One of those shops is The Baron’s Speed Shop in London. It’s run by Dick Smith, who has forgotten more than most people know about vintage Triumphs.
Dick has just finished customizing this Triumph 6T bobber for Baron’s own paint guy, Jimmy. It’s a 1952 model, built the year before Marlon Brando sat astride a 6T in The Wild One and catapulted the bike to international stardom.
Dick has completely rebuilt the 650cc parallel twin and treated it to a few period-correct upgrades—including sporty 3134-pattern cams. Amal carbs are hooked up to a Webco manifold kit, and there’s a lovely one-off ‘ripple-pipe’ exhaust.
The cosmetics have been revamped too, with a strong 1950s look. The front fender is gone, and the rear fender is now a custom-fabricated ribbed item, severely bobbed and created using original Triumph factory tooling.
Clever detailing abounds, like the tiny rear brake light. The stock Triumph 6T has a somewhat bulky front end, but it’s been lightened here with sleek fork shrouds and a compact headlight. The original wheels, with a 19” up front, still look great and have been refurbished. The seat is also standard, but has been re-covered to make it look a little different.
Like most of the Triumphs that roll out of Baron’s, this 6T is clean and classy. Head over to the Baron’s Speed Shop website for more classy British iron, and follow their news via Facebook.
With thanks to photographer Gary Margerum.
