East Ham Road, Littlehampton, Sussex, where Grandad's Triumph Model W motorbike lay undisturbed for over 60 years.

Inside the shed for the first glimpse of the bike. It was kept dry under sheets of corrugated iron and sheets of hessian sackcloth. The bike itself was wiped with oil to prevent moisture corroding the metalwork of the bike.

First sign of daylight in 60 years! I love this photograph, it's like the Phoenix emerging from the flames. A truly memorable moment, and very exciting. You'll notice that there is still air in the tyres, and the wheels turned straight away!

These photos show the tax 1930 road fund license still attached to the motorbike, 59 years after it expired! The only other disc issued is with the log book, with matching stamps! The centre picture shows one of 6 levers, this one adjusts the ignition timing. The remaining photograph shows the fuel/oil tank with the tip of the gear lever.

Here you can see that the fuel tank is actually split into two compartments. One for oil, the other for 'unleaded' fuel (leaded petrol was invented after this motorcycle! - it has always been green!) The lever is used to pump oil directly in to the crank case. The rubber foot pegs are Triumph originals, and supplementary Brookes ones for the rear passenger.

Here you can see the 'fish-tail' exhaust, which will make a lovely 'phut-phut' noise. The chain has a split link for easy removal with a screwdriver. The chainguard is to prevent trousers getting caught in the chain. The fourth photograph shows the only damaged part of the bike, a missing red lens for the rear acetylene lamp.

The mudguard had a lovely shine on it, but some parts of the bike were in worse condition, although the entire bike is solid. The spark plug has a simple HT lead clip. The fuel feed is a spiralling alloy tube. You can see the oily cooling fins on the single cylinder head.

You can see the way the bike has developed from a bicycle with engine added. The separate engine and gearbox are connected with steel chains. The magneto sits between them to provide a spark. The alloy cylinder block came up very clean, with the word TRIUMPH clearly shown after a good scrub.

The tyres, (although well worn) are in good condition, with very little cracking. The front suspension is girder fork design, and has a compressed spring which pulls, rather than pushes. The stove enamelled frame is in fantastic condition, and in the third photo, you can see the badge painted onto the frame. This was lovely to see. The fourth photo shows the riders eye view of the many controls, (8 in total). The number plate attached to the front mudguard is of the pedestrian-cutter style, which has since been outlawed. There is no speedometer or odometer, as this was not a legal requirement until later on.

The front headlight is a monstrous unit, and runs an acetylene. There is a well that you put the chemicals in, and water is dripped on to it. The gas that is produced is lit by a very bright light. The bike is generally much brighter and cleaner. You can see that the shine on the chain guard is fantastic. The petrol tank badge is unfortunately in worse condition. The Blue/Black combination paintwork will need re-painting, although we intend to run it in original condition.

The motorbike is now at it's new home, after a safe transportation by rented van. Let's hope it doesn't have to survive another 60 years before it get's out of the garage! Lots of TLC is needed, and time. Wish us luck!