LOT 471

c.1967 BSA 499cc A50 Racing Motorcycle Frame no. ED 273 Engine no. A50CDY 10Z

Sold for £7,475 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 471

c.1967 BSA 499cc A50 Racing Motorcycle

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|21 April 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1967 BSA 499cc A50 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. ED 273
Engine no. A50CDY 10Z

The vendor purchased the engine of this bike from Paul Ingham, a well-known figure on the classic scene for many years. It was one that Ingham had purchased from Norman Hanks (former BSA Development Tester, and works-supported racer) and the engine had 'works' characteristics. He acquired a frame of the correct 'works' type, with many features seen on the Daytona bikes, numbered ED 273. Daytona bikes were all numbered ED (for Experimental Department) with three-digit serial numbers. He sourced an appropriate oil tank, correct-type rear hub, Airheart rear brake caliper, Airheart master cylinder from USA, Fontana 4LS front brake, a period oil cooler, Amal Grand Prix carburettors, and alloy fuel tank. The vendor advises he stripped and rebuilt the engine top end, finding the bottom end and gearbox to be sound. The engine has eccentric rocker spindles for tappet adjustment, and the ignition system is an energy transfer arrangement. It took approximately two years to obtain the correct component parts, and a further year to build the bike. When assembled, the vendor started the machine, but it was not running correctly. Believing the fault to be the ignition system, he purchased two new coils for the energy transfer system, but never fitted them (included with the bike).

Intending to use the A50 for sprints and parades, his domestic circumstances have altered, and age is now a factor in his decision to dispose of the machine which will require some degree of commissioning prior to use. Documentation comprises miscellaneous papers, notes, and copies of photographs.

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.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

Additional information

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