LOT 122

1957 BSA 500cc Gold Star Road Racing Motorcycle Frame no. CB34.529 Engine no. DBD.34.GS.5565

Sold for US$6,325 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 122

1957 BSA 500cc Gold Star Road Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. CB34.529 Engine no. DBD.34.GS.5565

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1957 BSA 500cc Gold Star Road Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. CB34.529
Engine no. DBD.34.GS.5565

First displayed at the London Earls Court Show in 1948, the B32 Goldie boasted a telescopic front fork and came equipped with a new alloy cylinder barrel and cylinder head. For 1950 the B34 – a 500 - was added to the range. The pair continued as the 'BB' Gold Stars after the new swinging arm frame was introduced in 1953, changing to 'CB' designation for 1954. This change marked the introduction of the classic 'big fin' engine top end but the designation lasted only until the arrival of the 'DB' series a year later.

While its trials and scrambles derivatives demonstrated the design's versatility by chalking up an equally impressive record in off-road competition, for many an enthusiast the DBD34 in Clubman's trim is the epitome of the 'Goldie'. The ultimate road going 500 appeared in 1956 when the famous RRT2 close-ratio gearbox and 190mm front brake became standard equipment. From then on BSA's sporting single changed little until its demise in 1963.
Today, the Gold Star remains highly sought after.

A road race machine, this 500 Gold Star was last re-built and race prepped in 1989. Regrettably it then sat in a private collection for the next 30 years and thus likely requires a full cleaning, strip down and refurbishment before it can be started and run safely again.

Fortunately, the Gold Star is a high-quality machine and so should prove well worthwhile. It carries an Amal GP carburetor and an aluminum gas tank. Also included is a BSA maintenance manual.

Footnotes

Offered on a Bill of Sale

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.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is DBD34GSS5565.

Additional information

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