LOT 286

1959 BSA 646cc Super Rocket Café Racer Registration no. VSU 123 Frame no. FA7 16562 (see text) Engine no. CA10R 10567

Sold for £6,900 inc. premium

Lot 286

1959 BSA 646cc Super Rocket Café Racer

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

1959 BSA 646cc Super Rocket Café Racer
Registration no. VSU 123
Frame no. FA7 16562 (see text)
Engine no. CA10R 10567

• Purchased around 30 years ago
• Transformed into a café racer over a period of time
• Dry stored since 2018
• Requires recommissioning

"The Super Rocket has a near-three-figure cruising speed – a performance to meet the autobahn ambitions of foreign-touring enthusiasts, or those who buy motorcycles with an optimistic eye to the extension of motorway travel at home in the not too distant future. On the other hand, the current model can be throttled back to accept happily the inevitable limitations of built-up-area riding. In these less spectacular circumstances, one's patience in jogging along at 30mph is rewarded by a remarkable - for a lusty 650cc twin - fuel consumption also in the three-figure class." - Motor Cycling.

BSA's range for 1955 embodied several novel features. Alongside the existing plunger-framed machines were new models equipped with swinging-arm rear suspension, while the A7 Shooting Star and A10 Road Rocket sports twins came with new aluminium-alloy cylinder heads. The latter produced a highly respectable 40bhp and as tested by Motor Cycling magazine was found capable of reaching 109mph. For 1958 the sports 650 became the Super Rocket, gaining a revised cylinder head, Amal Monobloc carburettor, and an extra 3bhp. The model lasted into the unitary construction era and was last produced in 1963.

This Super Rocket was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband around 30 years ago and transformed into a stylish café racer over a period of time. There are numerous bills on file indicating that most of the work was done in the 1990s. Last used in 2018, the BSA has been dry stored in a vacuum bag since then and will require recommissioning before returning to the road. Cleaning and polishing should reward the new owner with a very tidy machine. Accompanying documentation includes a Roy Bacon dating letter; a quantity of expired MoTs; a current V5C; and the aforementioned bills. Please note that the machine is also accompanied by a large quantity of engine and other spares. We recommend that prospective bidders pay close attention to the frame number on this machine and satisfy themselves as to the originality of the stamping.

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 286 and 285 have been transposed in the printed catalogue, but appear correctly online.

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