1967 BSA Spitfire MKIII Special

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Online Auction|25 October 2021, 13:00 EDT|Greenwich, Hagerty Garage + Social

1967 BSA Spitfire MKIII Special
Frame no. A65SA16665
Engine no. A65SA16635-Y

Previewing in Bonhams Los Angeles by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

Unveiled in 1966, the first of the "Mark" series of Spitfires immediately became BSA's top guns. Based on the twin-carb Lightning, the Spitfire got a power bump via higher-compression pistons, a special cam and sporty open-bellmouth Amal GP carburetors; the changes good for a claimed 53bhp from the 650cc twin. The fastest standard BSA produced to that date, it wowed the UK's Motor Cycle magazine with a best run at 123mph and two-way average of 119mph. The Spitfire was used by traveling marshals at the 1967 Isle of Man TT races – no duty for slow pokes.

"The Bomb from Birmingham," wrote Cycle World magazine, calling the BSA a prime example of a road-burner, and noting that "such motorcycles are not made for economy, in either purchase price or daily operation – they are made to go, and to look good and sound sporty." The magazine radar-gunned its Spitfire tester at 117mph, making it at the time the fastest under-750cc street bike CW had ever tested. For 1967, BSA replaced the Amal GP carburetors by Amal Concentric for smoother usage. While the UK version received a large four us-gallon tank, the US market got a smaller, bi-color 2-gallon one.

The MKIII Special offered here wears the large UK-version tank which gives it a rare look on US roads. Preserved along the other late-owner's motorbikes, the bike has most likely remained static for some time and will thus require mechanical overhaul before heading back on the road. Additionally, the ignition key has unfortunately been misplaced and the production of a new one will be needed.

Footnotes

Please note, the title will be in transit.

Additional information

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