LOT 383

1931 BSA 493cc Sloper (see text) Registration no. PSJ 738 Frame no. Y7 2492 Engine no. P.11049 (see text)

Sold for £5,750 inc. premium

Lot 383

1931 BSA 493cc Sloper (see text)

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|27 April 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1931 BSA 493cc Sloper (see text)
Registration no. PSJ 738
Frame no. Y7 2492
Engine no. P.11049 (see text)

During the 1930s its 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) thereby 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 '27 Sloper featured a trend-setting saddle tank that afforded a low seating position, and for 1930 gained chromium-plated brightwork and a new frame with forged steel spine. Models with the 493cc overhead-valve engine came with twin-port cylinder heads. For 1930 the Birmingham firm offered no fewer than 18 models, six of which had inclined engines. The Sloper range remained essentially Vintage in character until its demise in 1935, by which time the line-up had shrunk to just two models: one overhead-valve, the other sidevalve, both of 595cc.

This Sloper's frame number's 'Y7' prefix was used for more than one model in 1931, while the twin-port overhead-valve engine's 'P' number prefix dates it to 1929. The BSA was purchased by the vendor as a dismantled project in 1995 and completed that same year. Used on rallies in the UK and Ireland, we're advised by the vendor it benefits from recent brake relining and comes with a spare engine, gearbox and clutch.
Key not required

Footnotes

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Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 27 April, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The machine is offered with a V5C.

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