LOT 303

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection 1950 BSA 348cc B31 Registration no. B31 MAN (Isle of Man, see text) Frame no. ZB31 11543 Engine no. ZB31 25912

Sold for £4,370 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 303

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1950 BSA 348cc B31

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

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection
1950 BSA 348cc B31
Registration no. B31 MAN (Isle of Man, see text)
Frame no. ZB31 11543
Engine no. ZB31 25912

BSA's rugged, workaday B31 was manufactured from 1945 to the end of 1959, its overhead-valve engine providing the basis for the renowned Gold Star sports roadster. At the time of its introduction, the B31 was BSA's sole all-new model, joining the lightweight 'C' and heavyweight 'M' ranges carried over from pre-war days. Produced initially with rigid frame and telescopic front fork, the B31 gained (optional) plunger rear suspension in 1949 and an all-new swinging-arm frame in '54. A good all-round performer by the standards of its time, the B31 could cruise comfortably all day at 60mph while returning 75-plus miles per gallon, virtues that endeared it to private owners and police forces alike. This much loved and highly successful model was last produced in 1959, its place in the BSA range being taken by the unitary construction B40.

This BSA B31 was first registered in the UK in March 1950 as 'YFF 749', which is still on the DVLA database with no 'export' marker showing. Restored throughout and very nicely presented, the BSA was last taxed to 31st May 2022 and at time of cataloguing had 2,898 miles showing on the odometer. The machine is offered with a BSA motorcycle service chart; an instruction manual; and an Isle of Man registration certificate (missing its lower half).

Footnotes

If purchased by a UK resident, this machine will be subject to a NOVA Declaration, which Bonhams will undertake at no cost to the buyer. This declaration facilitates the registration process with the DVLA in the UK.

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.

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