A legendary piece of American motorcycle drag-racing history is coming to our exclusive Los Angeles estate sale.

This 1952 Triumph Thunderbird is Bobby Sirkegian’s celebrated “Pretty Boy II,” the 650cc gasoline-class drag racer he campaigned during his remarkable teenage racing career.

At only 13 years old, Sirkegian rode Pretty Boy II to victory in the 650cc class at the historic 1953 sanctioned drag racing championships at Pomona, California, and repeated the achievement in 1954. During his teenage racing career, Sirkegian accumulated more than 200 victories and numerous track records.

The 650cc Triumph engine was extensively prepared for competition by noted tuner Fred Ford, with oversized valves, S&W valve springs, a flow-bench-developed cylinder head, lightened valvetrain, special Iskenderian cams and followers, high-compression pistons, and a custom twin-carburetor arrangement.

Sirkegian later personally restored Pretty Boy II, and the motorcycle was displayed at the NHRA Museum in Pomona near the site of its historic victories.

The motorcycle was offered by Bonhams at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles in November 2010 as Lot 440, where it sold for $25,000 including buyer’s premium.

Frame/VIN No. 5265N

Engine No. 6TD819

The motorcycle has remained in a prominent private Los Angeles estate collection for approximately 16 years and is now returning to the public market.

Pretty Boy II will be available during our exclusive estate sale beginning Wednesday, September 16.

THIS IS A PRIVATE, BY-APPOINTMENT-ONLY ESTATE SALE.

Attendance is limited, and appointments are being scheduled now. Serious collectors and buyers are encouraged to contact Melrose Treasures Estate Sales Los Angeles in advance to reserve an appointment.