Property of a deceased's estate, 1960 BSA 500cc DBD34 Gold Star

Registration no. 488 BLR (see text) Frame no. CB32.10317 Engine no. DBD.34.GS.5882

• Iconic British sports roadster
• Matching numbers
• Despatched from the factory in November 1960

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.

The Gold Star did not return to BSA's post-WW2 range until 1949. First displayed at the Earls Court Show in 1948, the B32 Goldie boasted the telescopic front fork first introduced on BSAs larger models for 1946 and came equipped with a new alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. For 1950 a 500cc version – the B34 – was added to the range and this larger Goldie was the first to switch to the new die-cast top-end, with separate rocker box, in 1951. The 350 followed suit in 1952 and 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 in the autumn of 1955. The 'DB' incorporated a much-improved lubrication system and, in the case of the 350 only, a stronger cylinder assembly; as such it represented the 'Junior' Goldie in its final form, there being no 350 equivalent of the final 'DBD' version.

For the majority of enthusiasts, the 500cc DBD34 in Clubman's trim is the epitome of the 'Goldie'. The DBD, the ultimate road going 500 Gold Star, appeared in 1956 when the famous RRT2 close-ratio gearbox and 190mm front brake became standard equipment. From then on BSA's perennially popular sporting single changed little until its much-lamented demise in 1963. Today, the Gold Star remains one of the most highly sought after of post-war British motorcycles and is supported by a most enthusiastic owners' club.

This matching-numbers BSA Gold Star DBD34 was despatched from the factory in November 1960. The RRT2 gearbox, 190mm front brake, Dunlop alloy wheel rims, and matching Smiths instruments are noteworthy features. There is no registration document with this Lot. It should be noted the HPI database records engine number DBD34GS8882. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.