LOT 23

Property of a deceased's estate 1955 BSA B31/B33 500cc Trials Sidecar Outfit Registration no. XRB 256 Frame no. none visible Engine no. ZB33 6324 (see text)

Sold for £1,380 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 23

Property of a deceased's estate, 1955 BSA B31/B33 500cc Trials Sidecar Outfit

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|24 June 2024, 12:22 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

Property of a deceased's estate
1955 BSA B31/B33 500cc Trials Sidecar Outfit
Registration no. XRB 256
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. ZB33 6324 (see text)

A development of the 350cc B31, the 500cc B33 was manufactured from 1947 to 1960. BSA's rugged, workaday B31 was a new introduction for 1945, 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 forks, the B31 was available from 1949 with optional plunger rear suspension and switched to a swinging-arm frame, along with the rest of the range, in 1954. The B33 engine closely followed B31 lines but with larger (85mm) bore and heavier flywheels, while cycle parts were identical apart from a larger-section rear tyre. A good, solid, all-round performer by the standards of its day, the B33 could top 80mph, cruise comfortably all day at 70mph and return in excess of 70mpg.

First registered on 22nd April 1955, this BSA trials outfit was formerly owned by Mr S Gadsby of Darley Bridge, Derbyshire and is rumoured to have won a Northern Centre championship in its day. Accompanying documents consist of a V5C, older V5 and a purchase receipt dated 1982. It should be noted that the registration documents record the engine number as 'B31 12046', suggesting that the machine started life as a B31, subsequently fitted with a B33 engine dating from circa 1950. Apparently unused for some time, the machine is offered for recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over).
Key not required

Footnotes

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