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LOT 526

Property of a deceased's estate 1969 BSA 650cc A65 Thunderbolt Registration no. CUC 826H Frame no. DC 21125 A65T Engine no. CD06406A65T (see text)

Sold for £3,680 inc. premium
Lot 526

Property of a deceased's estate, 1969 BSA 650cc A65 Thunderbolt

Property of a deceased's estate
1969 BSA 650cc A65 Thunderbolt
Registration no. CUC 826H
Frame no. DC 21125 A65T
Engine no. CD06406A65T (see text)

This 1969 A65 is among the last of the models produced before the oil-in-frame version's arrival, and its design results from a long and successful development programme that started in 1961. Following Triumph's lead, BSA turned to unitary construction for its range of parallel twin as the 1960s dawned, launching the all-new 500cc A50 and 650cc A65 Star models in January 1962. The basic architecture of the preceding A7/A10 was retained, so the new engine remained an air-cooled parallel twin with 360-degree crankshaft and single camshaft mounted at the rear of the cylinder block. The cycle parts were much as before, comprising a duplex loop, swinging-arm frame fitted with a telescopic front fork. The first high-performance variant - the A65R Rocket - arrived in October 1963, only to be superseded the following year by the Lightning, the first of the unit-construction twins (along with its A50 equivalent, the Cyclone) to be equipped with the new splayed-port, twin-carburettor cylinder head. Cycle parts remained unaltered except for the adoption of a 19" front wheel. For 1965 the Star tourers were replaced by the A50 Royal Star and A65 Thunderbolt, both of which came with a single Amal Monobloc carburettor (later a Concentric). The single-carburettor twin was preferred by many riders, being more economical, easier to keep in tune and only marginally less powerful than the twin-carb version.

According to records held by Draganfly Motorcycles, this A65 Thunderbolt consists of a frame from April 1969 and engine from March 1970. The BSA was purchased by the deceased owner in the last few years; no previous history is known. Although started recently, the machine will need checking and recommissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying documentation consists of some expired MoTs, an HPI report, and a V5C Registration Certificate. It should be noted that the V5C and HPI still list the original engine number and not that of the replacement unit currently installed.
Offered with key

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance 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 Winter Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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