The Andrew Tillman Collection, 1951 BSA 123cc Bantam D1 Deluxe

• Painstakingly restored
• Lucas battery/ rectifier, coil ignition electrics

The design of the Bantam, as is well known, came to BSA as part of war reparations in the immediate post-war period. It was actually a 125 DKW which BSA reversed, thus moving the gearchange to the right-hand side of the engine in common with British practice of the day. It was put into production initially in 1948 and in the ensuing years was slowly developed, increasing in capacity from 125 to 150, and then to 175. The basic 125 D1 model, however, with some minor changes, continued in production for many years, alongside larger versions, only being discontinued late in 1963. Initially produced with a rigid frame and Wico-pacy flywheel-magneto direct electrics, the D1 was soon offered with a plunger-sprung frame, and when Wipac were unable to keep up with BSA's demand for magnetos, it was decided to offer the 'Deluxe' model with Lucas DC battery electrics and coil ignition.

JGE 785 was purchased by the vendor in 2015 in a dismantled state, and restored over a period of 18 months. Attempting to keep the machine as close as possible to original specification, the vendor used stainless steel fasteners in place of original cadmium plated ones, as cadmium plating is no longer available. The original crankcases were found to be warped, so identical alternative ones were found, and the original ones accompany the machine. It should be noted that the V5C still records the engine number as YDL 6800, although YDL 8468 is now fitted. Any remedial work required was carried out in the restoration, and the large amount of invoices in the history file attest to this.

The comprehensive history file includes a USB stick with photographs of the restoration. Also present is a partial tool kit. The Bantam has not been used on the road since completion of the restoration, but has, however, been regularly maintained, and started at regular intervals. A new owner should only need to conduct light recommissioning, and basic safety checks, prior to use. Documentation comprises a current V5C, a continuation RF60 buff log book dating from 1957, the aforementioned invoices, a BSA owners club dating certificate, an instruction manual, and sundry papers. The machine is presently on SORN. Ignition key present.