Highlights
- Offered for sale from a private collection
- Exhibited in the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum until May 2022
- Only six owners since 1984
The Appeal
Many people would consider the 1950s to have been the heyday of the British motorcycle industry, and what could be more representative of it than BSA, which was by then one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers? Post-war production regularly exceeded 50,000 bikes per year, and Birmingham Small Arms products found favour with everyone from ton-up boys to the Royal Mail.
From the Busy Bee to Box Hill and on every A-road in the land, the BSA Gold Star was one of the most highly regarded motorcycles you could buy. Bred for competition in races like the Isle of Man Clubman’s TT and the Daytona 200 Miles (it took its name from the Gold Star award given by Brooklands to a BSA rider who lapped the circuit at over 100mph in 1937), it was equipped with nothing less than an all-alloy 350cc or 500cc overhead-valve single.
Easily capable of breaking the ton, those who belonged to the coffee-bar crowd in the 1950s will remind you just what a loud, dramatic and altogether spectacular sight the Gold Star was when pulling away from a café in the dead of night and, if anything, it’s only got better with age.
This example is presented in excellent condition, being offered for sale from a large classic car and motorcycle collection. Although it hasn’t been run for a while, it has been stored well and we think some new fuel and a fresh service should be all that’s required before it’s racing to the coast or tearing up the North Circular once again.
The History and Paperwork
- Supplied new through A. Brown of Viewforth Place, Pittenweem, Fife
- Registered with the DVLA in January 1984, hence it is believed to have been restored around that time
- Purchased by prominent collector in October 2015
- Exhibited in the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum in Calne, Wiltshire, until 2022
- Paperwork includes the current V5 and the Atwell-Wilson exhibit sheet
The Condition
- Presented as a nicely preserved older restoration
- Some light patina in places
- Chrome all shines beautifully
The condition of this bike suggests a well-preserved older restoration, and the fact the DVLA records it as being registered in 1984 suggests to us that it may have been completed in the early 1980s. Since then, the ‘Goldie’ has obviously led quite a charmed life, without succumbing to the ravages of time.
The general condition of the bike is really lovely, with the restoration now having mellowed. A light patina is appearing in places, across some the chrome and on ancillary parts like the headlamp, and it all gives the BSA a nice bit of character. There are some imperfections in the paint on the top of the tank, but the bike remains eminently showable and, besides, you won’t notice small things like that when you’re busy riding it.
The wheels and tyres look to be in very good condition. While the seat was probably recovered during the restoration 40-odd years ago, it is now showing its age in places with a few small marks and splits in the material. At the moment, though, that should be no barrier to you enjoying the bike and we don’t see it becoming a serious problem for a long time yet.
One point of interest is that this Gold Star retains its original supplier plaque, from A. Brown of Pittenweem, on the rear mudguard. Few bikes retain such a feature today, so that’s something we’re very pleased to see preserved.
The Mechanics
- One of the all-time great motorcycle engines, developed through the world’s TT and endurance races
- Famous for its ability to easily surpass the elusive 100mph barrier
- MoTed in 2012 with no advisories
One of the most beautiful and purposeful-looking singles, the Gold Star’s engine hints at raw power and doesn’t disappoint. This example hasn’t been started for a while and has only covered 19 miles over the past 10 years, which makes the prospect of firing it up even more exciting. It has obviously been stored in good conditions when in Mr. Chandler’s collection and in the Atwell-Wilson Museum, so it should fire up with some fresh fuel and perhaps a bit of a service, then it should really thunder, the thought of which must make any true motorcycle enthusiast tremble with excited anticipation.
Although the Goldie was last MoTed in 2012, it passed with no advisories so we do not imagine any major issues should be present today. Even so, we do, of course, recommend that the buyer undertakes some precautionary checks and satisfies themselves as to its roadworthiness, but we’ve no doubts that this one is in very good order. It is however worth noting that the front footpeg and gear changer appear to be missing, so this would need to be resolved prior to being able to use the bike.
Of course, when new the Gold Star, being essentially a racing bike for the road, had a reputation for being a little difficult for riders who weren’t well acquainted with it. Typically, a heavy right foot was needed for the kick-start, and it left a few riders red-faced when they discovered they weren’t quite as fit as they thought they were! Some modern upgrades will can make it a little easier, but we’re tempted to suggest that half the fun of a Gold Star lies in getting the hang of it. We’re not looking to discourage you, of course; we’re just making doubly sure you know that this isn’t any old common or garden variety motorcycle you’re investing in.
The Summary
Along with Tritons and Bonnevilles, the Gold Star represents the cream of the café racer crop. The race-bred mechanicals took a little bit of time to master, but once you got there you had one of fastest, most exhilarating and most soul-stirring bikes you could ever dream of riding.
This example is full of promise, very handsomely presented following restoration, we believe, in the early 1980s, and recent time spent with a collector and museum has ensured that it’s remained well-preserved. It shouldn’t take much more than fuel and a service before that mighty old single is thumping away again, and the exhaust is crackling like thunder, and then you will be the envy of every roadside café.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
