1956 BSA 499cc DBD34 Gold Star

Registration no. 311 UXO Frame no. CB32 6024 Engine no. DBD34GS 2526

• Delivered new to the USA
• Restored in the UK in the late 1990s/early 2000s
• Only 39 miles since completion
• Present ownership since 2006

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 sports model its evocative name.

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 BSA's 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 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 DBD34 comes with a BSA Gold Star OC dating letter revealing that it was despatched to the USA in October 1956. First registered in the UK on 8th August 2005, having already been totally restored, it has belonged to the current owner since March 2006. Noteworthy features include 12-volt electrics and electronic ignition. Last run in 2017, the machine has covered only 39 miles since restoration and is described by the private vendor as in excellent condition. Accompanying documentation consists of numerous restoration invoices and photographs; SORN paperwork; and old/current V5C documents.