1960 BSA 650cc A10 Golden Flash and Busmar Double-adult Sidecar Project

Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. GA7.9278
Engine no. DA10 12324

A new 650cc twin joined BSA's 500cc A7 model in 1949, the latter's engine being revised along the lines of the new design at the same time. The existing parallel twin architecture was retained for the new A10, with 360-degree crankshaft and single camshaft at the rear of the cylinder block, as was the four-speed gearbox bolted directly to the crankcase in a form of semi-unit construction. Like the A7, the A10 was available with either a rigid frame or plunger rear suspension. Named 'Golden Flash', the new 650 was strikingly finished in pale beige metallic. Ever since the model's introduction enthusiasts have commonly referred to the touring A10 as the 'Golden Flash', even when it was finished in alternative colour schemes.

Before the coming of the Mini in 1959, the average working man would most likely have acquired a motorcycle combination such as this one when the need first arose for family transport. BSA's dependable A10 was popular with the sidecar boys and this partially dismantled example is attached to a splendid double-adult 'chair' manufactured by Busmar. Blackpool-based Busmar specialised in sidecars offering 'saloon car comfort', giving its models names referring to places in the North of England. Like so many sidecar manufacturers, Busmar saw its market decline severely during the early 1960s, and closed in 1965.

This BSA/Busmar combination comes with a receipt relating to its purchase by the vendor's late father for £265 on 2nd August 1976. There is also an MoT on file issued in 1976 at 53,624 miles (current odometer reading 69,841 miles) and a photocopy partial continuation logbook (1971) recording the frame/engine numbers and vendor's father as keeper in 1976. The BSA is not currently on either the DVLA or HPI databases. The engine's bottom-end was overhauled by SRM Engineering in 1985 (see note on file). The engine is currently disassembled and has never been refitted. Accompanying components include three cylinder heads: one alloy, two cast-iron. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's condition, completeness, and authenticity prior to bidding.

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