LOT 372

c.1960 BSA 499cc Gold Star Registration no. 124 YUM Frame no. CB32.9766 Engine no. DBD.34.GS.5789.

Sold for £10,465 inc. premium

Lot 372

c.1960 BSA 499cc Gold Star

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1960 BSA 499cc Gold Star
Registration no. 124 YUM
Frame no. CB32.9766
Engine no. DBD.34.GS.5789.

While its trials and scrambles derivatives demonstrated the design's versatility by chalking up an impressive record in off-road competition, for the majority of enthusiasts the 500cc DBD34 in Clubman's trim is the epitome of the 'Goldie'. The DBD, the ultimate road going 500 Gold Star, appeared in 1956 when the famous RRT2 close-ratio gearbox and 190mm front brake became standard equipment. From then on BSA's perennially popular sporting single changed little until its much-lamented demise in 1963. Today, the Gold Star remains one of the most highly sought after of post-war British motorcycles and is supported by a most enthusiastic owners' club.

This Gold Star was acquired on 27th September 2013 by the current vendor, who struggled to ride it. As a result the Goldie was displayed for many years at the Brooklands Museum where the owner volunteers. In an attempt to make the machine more rideable, the owner changed the left-side footrest and footbrake, and had an electric starter fitted at the same time as an overhaul by marque specialist Phil Pearson.

The Goldie comes with a V5C document and dating letters from the GSOC and VMCC, the former dating the machine as 1960, while the latter dates the frame as 1960 and the engine as 1961.
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The machine is currently fitted with touring handlebars; however, it is accompanied by a set of detached clip-ons, a kickstart, a carburettor float bowl, and various small sundry spares. It should be noted that the frame was originally despatched in May 1960 to Tom Cowie, County Durham (fitted with a DB32 GS engine), while the engine was despatched separately to Revett, Ipswich, in October 1960.

Additional information

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