The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1953 BSA 123cc Bantam D1

• Unrestored 'time warp' example
• Single family ownership from new until 2002
• Only 1,573 miles from new
• Outstandingly original

Developed from the pre-war DKW RT125 and announced in 1948, the Bantam became a top seller for BSA, in excess of half a million leaving the Birmingham factory before production ceased in 1971. Originally of 123cc, the engine grew first to 148cc and then to 172cc. Plunger rear suspension became available as an option in 1950, as did battery electrics powered by a 6-volt Lucas alternator, direct lighting having been relied upon hitherto. Many a mature motorcyclist will have learned to ride on a Bantam and the model remains a firm favourite to this day.

This Bantam's original buff logbook records the date of first registration as 9th June 1953 and shows taxation from then until 1956. The BSA was supplied by The Homestead Garages (The Motor Cycle People) in Parkstone, Dorset and in 1954 was in the ownership of William Curtis of Hull. Unbeknown to Mr Curtis, the Bantam had left the factory minus its electrical condenser; it would never have run properly without one, which almost certainly explains why its disgruntled owner consigned it to the oblivion of his shed for some 30 years, having recorded only 77 miles. Eventually, circa 1984, the BSA was inherited by William's nephew, Colin Curtis, who entrusted its rebirth to the VMCC's Ken Blake. Ken discovered the missing condenser and with this trifling fault rectified, Colin Curtis rode the 'time warp' Bantam to the Sammy Miller Museum to take part in the British Two-Stroke Club's Blue Haze Run, where it won the award for the most original machine. In 1993 this exceptionally original Bantam was featured in The Classic MotorCycle magazine (April edition, framed copy available).

Tony East purchased the Bantam in September 2007 from a Mr Clague of Sutton, Surrey, who had acquired it in 2002 from Colin Curtis. The machine remains unrestored, having covered only 1,573 miles from new, and was last taxed until 31st July 2003. This unique Bantam is offered with its original tool kit and instruction book, while accompanying documentation consists of an old-style V5C; some old tax discs; a quantity of old MoTs dating back to 1984; a BSA Bantam instruction manual; some other instruction manuals; and copies of BSA service sheets.