From the Cynric Richardson Collection, 1935 BSA 499cc W35-8 Blue Star

BSA's Blue Star models, available in both 350 & 500cc capacities, were tuned and more glamorous versions of the lower specification O.H.V. models. Amongst other features they boasted higher compression pistons and those very fashionable and distinctive upswept pipes. BSA's March 1935 advertising stated 'the BSA Blue Star models set the fashion in sporting machines and have always been popular amongst riders who want "competition" performance.'

This stunning 1935 500cc Blue Star belonged to the late Cynric Richardson. Cynric excelled at everything he did: he was a topflight piano tuner and technician who grew prize-winning vegetables and bred prize-winning rabbits. He also found the time to restore and ride some wonderful motorcycles. In 1999 his fabulous 1938 Ariel Square Four beat a host of exotica to scoop first prize in the Louis Vuitton Classic Concours at the Hurlingham Club. We were honoured to sell the Ariel on his behalf in April 2015 by which time he had restored a second 1938 Square Four to an even higher standard. His attention to detail was as extraordinary as his first-class workmanship. Sadly Cynric lost his battle with cancer a few months ago, but we are privileged to offer his two BSAs in this sale. One of the Bonhams team was fortunate to have known Cynric for over 50 years, and they were the closest of friends. He was with Cynric when he bought this Blue Star at a Sotheby's sale at The RAF Museum on November 30th 1991.

It is understood that the BSA was originally shipped to Milan, but it was little used by its first owner. In the 1950s it was bought by a motorcycle dealer in the same city, but following his death it gathered dust in the back of the shop until it was bought and shipped back to England in the 1970s, being the subject of a James Tenant-Eyles restoration in 1979-1980. The Sotheby's sale catalogue (supplied) described it as an unregistered 1934 BSA 350 Blue Star with a foot-change. This was incorrect on three counts: it turned out to be 1935, was fitted with a standard (not Blue Star) ohv 500cc engine, and a hand change gearbox.

An age-related registration number was issued. The BSA looked beautiful but fell short in various key technical aspects which Cynric dealt with one by one. It was in this interim form when it was road tested by Peter Dobson for 'Classic Bike' in May 1994 (magazine supplied). In the years that followed Cynric brought it up to the very high standard in which it is offered today. He replaced the engine that had been fitted when he bought it with the genuine 500cc Blue Star (no. E8.1337) engine which is fitted today, sourced and fitted a foot-change gearbox, and replaced the petrol tank because the one that had been fitted featured the hand-change gate. The removed items: the previously fitted 500cc ohv engine (no. E7.340), the hand-change gearbox, and the petrol tank with the hand-change gate will be offered in our December Online Sale. The BSA has a very nice Dell'Orto carburettor which must have been fitted during its time in Italy. Cynric did try replacing this with the 'correct' Amal, but he went back to the Dell'Orto because the bike went much better on that.

The Blue Star was last ridden in late May this year, and a video of it with the engine running can be viewed on our sale website. The following items accompany the bike: the aforementioned Sotheby's catalogue and Classic Bike magazine, V5C registration document, genuine 1935 BSA parts book, 1935 BSA sales brochure, Cynric's notes about how he re-wired the bike, BSA Motor Cycles by Munro, The Book of the BSA by Haycraft, and a BSA instruction book for 1935 250 and 350 models.

Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
Key not required