LOT 285

1954 BSA 499cc Gold Star Registration no. 306 XVC Frame no. CB32 1561 Engine no. DBD34 4871 (see text)

Sold for £6,900 inc. premium

Lot 285

1954 BSA 499cc Gold Star

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1954 BSA 499cc Gold Star
Registration no. 306 XVC
Frame no. CB32 1561
Engine no. DBD34 4871 (see text)

• Restored in the 2010s
• Dry stored since 2018
• Requires recommissioning

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.

Delivered new on 31st December 1954, this Gold Star left the factory as a CB34 in Clubman's trim, and has since been upgraded with a believed DBD34 engine (please note it has a non-factory restamped number). The Goldie was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband some time after 2007 and restored over the following years (there are various bills of file dating from 2013/2014). Notable features include a Lyta alloy fuel tank, Magura control levers; double-sided 4LS front brake; alloy fork yokes; clip-on 'bars; rear-set footrests; alloy wheel rims; and an Amal GP carburettor. Not used and dry stored since 2018, the Goldie will require recommissioning before further use. Cleaning and polishing should reward the new owner with a very tidy machine. Accompanying paperwork consists of a dating certificate; DVLA correspondence; a current V5C; and the aforementioned bills.

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

Please note the images for lots 285 and 286 have been transposed in the printed catalogue, but appear correctly online. The engine number is DBD.34.GS.4971

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