WHAT BETTER SURROUNDINGS TO photograph this genteel Highland Lassie than within the grounds of an ancient Scottish monastery, now a famous brand whisky distillery? This glorious pre-unit Triumph featured for you here was recently rebuilt (and christened) by my friend Chris while he was convalescing following a hip replacement. A fitting companion to the distillery’s Wee Scotty Dug copper mascot, this tastefully put-together special is one of the nicest 1950s Triumph rebuilds I’ve ever set my eyes on – I even pestered Chris to let me buy her!
Since rolling up on Highland Lassie at a summer SCMC gathering, I’d been harassing Chris for the story. He would no doubt describe himself as a Triumph pre-unit enthusiast and has owned and restored many such models, to the effect that he now has a garage full of spares and a head bursting with specialist knowledge.
Pinning a precise year of manufacture to Highland Lassie is a bit of a problem because this stunning classic has been expertly crafted using disparate parts. Several came from one model in particular, a ‘donor’ 1955 Triumph Tiger. However, many are ‘trick’ or custom parts which together enhance this special motorcycle’s unique style. More than the sum of its parts, I hope readers will agree that Highland Lassie is a credit to Chris’s bike-building skills. Let’s hear from its creator...
“In truth, I couldn’t be happier than when I’m engrossed in restoring a classic motorcycle. I’m also fortunate to have several tucked away in my garage – all British classics that I’ve restored over the last few decades. I’d already reached the conclusion that I should be enjoying more time riding, rather than long days and evenings tinkering in my garage, but then along came Covid-19 and
