LOT 131

1937 BSA 500cc M22 OHV Sports Registration no. not registered Frame no. HM19 5200 Engine no. HM22.1364.

Sold for £8,625 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 131

1937 BSA 500cc M22 OHV Sports

Motorcycles Online - The January Sale|22 January 2024, 12:37 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1937 BSA 500cc M22 OHV Sports
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. HM19 5200
Engine no. HM22.1364.

BSA's single-cylinder range was re-designed by Val Page for 1937, the engines taking on many of the characteristics they would retain in the post-war era, most notably dry-sump lubrication, rear-mounted magneto and that distinctively shaped timing cover. The larger M series comprised two sidevalve-engined models - the 500cc M20 and 600cc M21 - and two overhead-valve 500s with foot-change gearboxes - the M22 Sports and M23 Empire Star. Bore/stroke dimensions of 82x94mm were used for the 500cc engine, which in mildly tuned form would power the first of a long line of BSA sports singles: the Gold Star. In June 1937 a specially prepared Empire Star ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of the Brooklands circuit on its way to a debut race victory. 100mph laps of the Weybridge track were traditionally rewarded by the award of a gold star, thus giving BSA's forthcoming super sports model its evocative name.

This handsome Gold Star forebear has been owned by the vendor for the last 10 years and was restored by the previous owner who purchased it from a museum local to him where it was on display for many years. Not started for quite some time, it will require careful recommissioning before returning to the road. Offered without documents.
Key not required

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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