LOT 309

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection 1935 BSA 500cc W35-8 Blue Star Registration no. MFO 457 Frame no. E5.3269 Engine no. E8.1287.

Sold for £11,845 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 309

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1935 BSA 500cc W35-8 Blue Star

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
1935 BSA 500cc W35-8 Blue Star
Registration no. MFO 457
Frame no. E5.3269
Engine no. E8.1287.

During the 1930s BSA concentrated on producing a range of dependable, well-made, competitively priced motorcycles. Its contemporary advertising slogan: 'One in Four is a BSA', reflected the Birmingham-based company's status as the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. In 1927 BSA had introduced the influential 'Sloper' - so called because its inclined cylinder - starting a trend that saw many of its rivals launch similar machines. Nevertheless, models with vertical cylinders continued to form part of BSA's extensive range, outliving the Sloper when the fashion for inclined cylinders faded. The Depression of the early 1930s forced a cut back in the number of models, just ten being offered for 1932. Among these though, were three new 500s, one a sidevalve and two with overhead valves, all of which shared a common bottom end and the 85x88mm bore/stroke dimensions that would characterise all BSA's 500cc singles, including the legendary Gold Star, right up to the beginning of the unitary construction era in the 1960s. The sports version was given the name 'Blue Star', a title that was also applied to the equivalent 250 and 350 models. All featured engines having vertical cylinders and magneto ignition carried in conventional cycle parts with rigid frames and girder front forks. The Blue Star models came with a tuned engine incorporating a high-compression piston and 'hotter' cams, twin-port cylinder head and a four-speed foot-change gearbox. Originally an optional extra, a full electric lighting system became standard equipment for 1934.

This Blue Star was acquired by Tony East in October 1998. Accompanying documentation includes sundry invoices totalling £4,619 relating to its restoration by Bryan Small Motorcycles circa 1998, two MoTs (most recent expired 2004), and an old-style V5C registration Certificate. An original instruction book is included in the sale.

Footnotes

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