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LOT 330

1956 BSA 499cc Gold Star Scrambler Registration no. not registered Frame no. CB32 5712 Engine no. DB.34.GS 1439

Estimate: £16,000 - £18,000
Lot 330

1956 BSA 499cc Gold Star Scrambler
Registration no. not registered Frame no. CB32 5712 Engine no. DB.34.GS 1439

1956 BSA 499cc Gold Star Scrambler
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. CB32 5712
Engine no. DB.34.GS 1439

• Exported from the USA by Bud Ekins
• Dispatched to former motocross and ISDT star Eric Cheney
• Science Museum dating letter

The supremely versatile BSA Gold Star formed the mainstay of Clubman's racing in the 1950s while its trials and scrambles derivatives demonstrated the design's adaptability by chalking up an equally impressive record in off-road competition. Indeed, throughout that decade the Gold Star scrambler was as dominant on the dirt as the Clubman's version was on the racetrack. Gold Star-mounted John Avery won the British Championship for BSA in 1952 while Jeff Smith took the title in '55, '56, '60 and '61, by which time the Goldie had effectively been superseded by the new B40-based scrambler.

Like the bulk of production, this Gold Star Scrambler was exported new to the USA, destined for BSA's West Coast distributor, Hap Alzina. USA-specification Gold Star Scramblers were more akin to trail bikes when compared with the competition-only version made for the UK, being delivered with mudguards, folding footrests, centre stand, trials 1st gear ratio, 19" diameter front wheel, and 8" front brake. In 1989 this machine was exported from the USA by Bud Ekins, off-road racer, movie stunt man, and close friend of film star Steve McQueen. Bud despatched the bike to former moto-cross and ISDT star Eric Cheney, another of the greatest names in the world of off-road competition, who sold it to the current vendor's father (see document on file). Subsequently restored, the Goldie is described by the private vendor as in clean running condition. Offered with Science Museum dating letter.

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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