LOT 659

c.1965 BSA 441cc B44 Victor Scrambler Registration no. not registered Frame no. B44.246 Engine no. B44GP330

Sold for £5,750 inc. premium

Lot 659

c.1965 BSA 441cc B44 Victor Scrambler
Registration no. not registered Frame no. B44.246 Engine no. B44GP330

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

c.1965 BSA 441cc B44 Victor Scrambler
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. B44.246
Engine no. B44GP330

Its 420cc engine developed from that of the humble C15 250 roadster, Jeff Smith's works BSA moto-crosser produced more power than it could reliably handle, resulting in a comprehensive engine redesign for 1964. For the new season the works 420 had a much stronger crankcase with revised main bearings, the C15's drive-side ball race and timing-side plain bush being superseded by a roller bearing and ball race respectively. Also new was a light-alloy cylinder with chromium-plated bore, which allowed a useful increase in compression ratio thanks to its superior heat dissipation. The changes made the bike a world-beater, Smith taking the 1964 Moto-Cross World Championship with seven wins in the 14-race series. The new crankcase permitted a further lengthening of the stroke to 90mm for a capacity of 441cc, and in this form the Victor scrambler went into production in 1965. Smith took the world title again that year on the works B44GP. This motorcycle was purchased by the current vendor on 9th June 2004 from a regional UK auction house described by them as possibly having in-period links to Jeff Smith. Unfortunately, the supporting correspondence referred to at that time has been lost. However, further research by the next owner may throw some light on this motorcycle's origins. Offered without documents, the machine is sold strictly as viewed.

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

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Additional information

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