
LOT 314
The ex-Harry Voice; 1952 Isle of Man Clubman's TT 1952 BSA 349cc Gold Star Clubman's Registration no. PAE 49 Frame no. ZB32 S 4443 Engine no. ZB.32.GS.6043
Sold for £8,050 inc. premium
Lot 314
The ex-Harry Voice; 1952 Isle of Man Clubman's TT, 1952 BSA 349cc Gold Star Clubman'sRegistration no. PAE 49 Frame no. ZB32 S 4443 Engine no. ZB.32.GS.6043
The ex-Harry Voice; 1952 Isle of Man Clubman's TT
1952 BSA 349cc Gold Star Clubman's
Registration no. PAE 49
Frame no. ZB32 S 4443
Engine no. ZB.32.GS.6043
1952 BSA 349cc Gold Star Clubman's
Registration no. PAE 49
Frame no. ZB32 S 4443
Engine no. ZB.32.GS.6043
• Genuine Clubman's model
• An older restoration
• Purchased in 1986 from Brian Verrall
On Wednesday 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star 500 ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of the Brooklands circuit on its way to a debut race victory and award of the Gold Star that would give BSA's new super sports model its evocative name. Possibly the most successful production racing motorcycle ever, the post-war Gold Star formed the mainstay of Clubman's racing in the 1950s. In fact, it was the model's domination of the Isle of Man Clubman's TT which led to the event being dropped after Gold Star rider Bernard Codd's 1956 Senior/Junior double victory.
This BSA Gold Star ZB32, registration number 'PAE 49', was ridden in the 1952 Isle of Man Clubman's Junior TT by Harry Voice, finishing in 13th place, a highly creditable result on his first competitive visit to the Island. Born in New Jersey, USA as Hereward Albert Voice, but usually known as either Harry or Les, he lived in Bodmin, Cornwall and was an organ builder by trade. Harry had started racing in the late 1940s, and in 1951 visited the Isle of Man as a spectator, promising himself that one day he would race there. For 1952 he bought this BSA Gold Star from Fowler's of Bristol, and for the TT was entered by the Bishops Waltham Motorcycle Club. In the race Harry averaged 75.93mph and finished only 4½ minutes behind winner Eric Houseley, with Bob MacIntyre in 2nd place. Harry Voice would compete in ten more races on the Isle of Man with a best result of 7th in the 1953 Manx Grand Prix Junior event.
Harry soon sold the Gold Star, but many years later, in 1969, was able to buy it back, his name appearing as 5th change in the old-style continuation logbook on file. Harry later sold 'PAE 49' to Robin Jung-Burton, who restored the machine to its former glory. Bob Gardiner bought the restored Gold Star from Brian Verrall in January 1986. The purchase receipt is in the accompanying file, which also contains V5C documents; copies of old V5s; period photographs; plentiful correspondence; a copy of the factory engine test sheet (confirming Clubman's specification); and other historical material accumulated by Bob Gardiner in the course of his researches (perusal recommended).
• An older restoration
• Purchased in 1986 from Brian Verrall
On Wednesday 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star 500 ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of the Brooklands circuit on its way to a debut race victory and award of the Gold Star that would give BSA's new super sports model its evocative name. Possibly the most successful production racing motorcycle ever, the post-war Gold Star formed the mainstay of Clubman's racing in the 1950s. In fact, it was the model's domination of the Isle of Man Clubman's TT which led to the event being dropped after Gold Star rider Bernard Codd's 1956 Senior/Junior double victory.
This BSA Gold Star ZB32, registration number 'PAE 49', was ridden in the 1952 Isle of Man Clubman's Junior TT by Harry Voice, finishing in 13th place, a highly creditable result on his first competitive visit to the Island. Born in New Jersey, USA as Hereward Albert Voice, but usually known as either Harry or Les, he lived in Bodmin, Cornwall and was an organ builder by trade. Harry had started racing in the late 1940s, and in 1951 visited the Isle of Man as a spectator, promising himself that one day he would race there. For 1952 he bought this BSA Gold Star from Fowler's of Bristol, and for the TT was entered by the Bishops Waltham Motorcycle Club. In the race Harry averaged 75.93mph and finished only 4½ minutes behind winner Eric Houseley, with Bob MacIntyre in 2nd place. Harry Voice would compete in ten more races on the Isle of Man with a best result of 7th in the 1953 Manx Grand Prix Junior event.
Harry soon sold the Gold Star, but many years later, in 1969, was able to buy it back, his name appearing as 5th change in the old-style continuation logbook on file. Harry later sold 'PAE 49' to Robin Jung-Burton, who restored the machine to its former glory. Bob Gardiner bought the restored Gold Star from Brian Verrall in January 1986. The purchase receipt is in the accompanying file, which also contains V5C documents; copies of old V5s; period photographs; plentiful correspondence; a copy of the factory engine test sheet (confirming Clubman's specification); and other historical material accumulated by Bob Gardiner in the course of his researches (perusal recommended).
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.



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