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LOT 328

1971 BSA 247cc B50/B25 Gold Star (see text) Registration no. MRC 972K Frame no. B50SS HE15532 Engine no. XC8689B25 S

Sold for £1,955 inc. premium
Lot 328

1971 BSA 247cc B50/B25 Gold Star (see text)
Registration no. MRC 972K Frame no. B50SS HE15532 Engine no. XC8689B25 S

1971 BSA 247cc B50/B25 Gold Star (see text)
Registration no. MRC 972K
Frame no. B50SS HE15532
Engine no. XC8689B25 S

BSA-Triumph's revamped range for 1971 included five BSA singles, all sporting the new oil-bearing frame and conical-hub brakes. The two 250s continued to use the B25 engine in virtually un-changed form, while the larger B50 models were now a full 500cc. In both capacities there was an 'SS' - Street Scrambler - which featured the larger 8" front brake and high-level exhaust system. The famous Gold Star name was revived for the duo, to the chagrin of motorcycling traditionalists. Despite adequate performance and excellent handling, the newcomers were swamped by the tide of financial failure which soon overtook BSA-Triumph, the 250s disappearing in August 1971 and the 500s the following year.

This machine appears to consist of a 1971 B50SS frame and a B25SS engine, the latter possibly an exchange unit. However, in all respects the cycle parts of these two models are identical and it may be that all frames were prefixed 'B50SS', in the same way that frames of 1950s/1960s 350 and 500 Gold Stars were all prefixed 'CB32'. On the other hand, given BSA's dire straits in 1971, it could be that they were happy to build machines with whatever combination of parts happened to be available.

Bob Gardiner purchased 'MRC 972K' from a UK auction in September 1985. The sales invoice is on file and the machine also comes with copies of old V5s, an expired MoT (1986), and old/current V5C documents.

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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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
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