LOT 212

c.1940 BSA 499cc M20 Project

Sold for £3,072 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 212

c.1940 BSA 499cc M20 Project

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 15:11 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

c.1940 BSA 499cc M20 Project

Registration no. FTO 497C
Frame no. WM20 (see text)
Engine no. 21254 and 15637 (see text)

BSA launched a new single-cylinder range in 1937; intended mainly for the sidecar enthusiast, the two biggest sidevalve models were the 496cc M20 and 596cc M21, both of which came with rigid frames, girder forks and four-speed, hand-change gearboxes. Ruggedly built and endowed with copious low-speed pulling power, both models were highly successful in their intended role as sidecar tugs and many M20s did sterling service as despatch riders' mounts with Allied forces during WW2. The duo were regularly updated, important developments prior to WW2 including the adoption of a foot-change gearbox and, in the M21's case, a change to a longer-stroke 591cc engine. M20 production ceased in 1955 while the M21 lasted until the end of 1958, though it remained available to special order until 1963.

This M20's accompanying RF60 continuation logbook states that it was first registered in the UK on 20th December 1965, and lists the late owner as registered keeper from February 1976, followed by his wife. The late private owner's family advise us that the machine had been purchased from a Ministry of Defence auction of surplus military equipment. No previous history is known. Stored for some considerable time, the BSA will need recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. It should be noted that the two numbers stamped on the engine differ from that recorded in both the RF60 and old-style V5, and that we have been unable to locate a full frame number, which according to the registration documents should be '21254', which appears as one of the two stamped engine numbers. Accordingly, although this motorcycle is offered with the aforementioned old style V5 registration documents for the VRN 'AR 7057', and is recorded on the HPI/DVLA database, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the validity and status of its registration, as well as its authenticity, originality, completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Key not required.

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 28%+VAT on the first £40k of the Hammer Price, then 27%+VAT up to £800k, then 21%+VAT up to £4.5M and 14.5%+VAT thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Saleroom notices

It should be noted the VRN 'AR 7057' noted in the cataloguing is incorrect and not offered with this Lot and the correct VRN is FTO 497C.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
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c.1940 BSA 499cc M20 Project

c.1940 BSA 499cc M20 Project

Footnotes

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Additional information

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