LOT 424

1971 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt/Lightning Registration no. MCY 237J Frame no. A65T EE09536 Engine no. A65L/DE 06853

Estimate: £4,800 - £5,800

Lot 424

1971 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt/Lightning
Registration no. MCY 237J Frame no. A65T EE09536 Engine no. A65L/DE 06853

The Spring Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|23 April 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1971 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt/Lightning
Registration no. MCY 237J
Frame no. A65T EE09536
Engine no. A65L/DE 06853

This motorcycle comes with a BSA OC Vehicle Report stating that both the frame (Thunderbolt) and engine (Lightning) were exported new to the USA in 1971. 'MCY 237J' was first registered in the UK on 1st December 2015 and purchased via Bonhams by its current owner in 2019, since when extensive works have been completed including a bespoke aluminium petrol tank by Tab Classics. The machine also benefits from a new electronic charging/ignition system; new carburettors; an engine top-end rebuild; and a gearbox overhaul. Only 280 miles have been covered since the top-end rebuild and the machine is described as very usable, run regularly and in full working order. Accompanying documentation consists of DVLA correspondence; a V5C Registration Certificate; copies of recent invoices (totalling over £3,800); the 2019 bill of sale; and a detailed report on the work completed by Retrotune Engineering. A spare glassfibre fuel tank is included in the sale.
Offered without key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding

Saleroom notices

There are two keys offered with this lot.

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' 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.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers 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.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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.
- Motorcycles