LOT 420

1934 BSA 499cc W34-8 Registration no. not registered Frame no. B4 2822 Engine no. B8 752

Sold for £9,200 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 420

1934 BSA 499cc W34-8
Registration no. not registered Frame no. B4 2822 Engine no. B8 752

The Summer Sale - LIVE AND ONLINE - BICESTER HERITAGE|15 August 2020, 10:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1934 BSA 499cc W34-8
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. B4 2822
Engine no. B8 752

During the 1930s its advertising slogan - 'One in Four is a BSA' - reflected the Birmingham-based company's status as the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. The Depression of the early 1930s forced a cut back in the number of models, just ten being offered for 1932. Among these though, were three new 500s, one a sidevalve and two with overhead valves, all of which shared a common bottom end and the 85x88mm bore/stroke dimensions that would characterise all BSA's 500cc singles, including the legendary Gold Star, right up to the beginning of the unitary construction era in the 1960s. All featured engines having vertical cylinders and magneto ignition, which were carried in conventional cycle parts with rigid frames and girder front forks. Unfortunately, little is known of the history of this rare sporting BSA. There are no documents with the machine; however, it can be assumed that it was restored in the not too distant past. It is believed to have been purchased privately in Cornwall, and due to the vendor's declining health has been stored in a heated garage in recent years. Unused for some time, the BSA appears to be in very good condition; nevertheless, careful re-commissioning and the customary safety checks are advised before returning it to the road.

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.

Saleroom notices

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 420: click here

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
For Motorcycles (Lots 301-703) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Cars
- Motorcycles