1963 BSA 499cc Gold Star

The Amelia Island Auction|3 March 2022, 10:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1963 BSA 499cc Gold Star
Frame no. CB32.11483
Engine no. DBD.34.GS.6892

*Legendary café racer of the 1960's
*Participated in the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

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. While its trials and scrambles derivatives demonstrated the design's versatility by chalking up an equally impressive record in off-road competition, 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.

Although not much is known of its history prior to being purchased by the late vendor, it did participate at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, with its striking blue gas tank it's sure to have caused much interest whilst on display. Having been on static display at the private museum of the late vendor, it will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent. A worthy addition to any collection where you can recreate the days of the Ton-up club.

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