1966 BSA Hornet
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
HIGHLIGHTS
- In fantastic show condition
- Matching numbers
- A65 high-compression engine
- Extremely low mileage
- Ready to display or ride
THE APPEAL
The BSA star has shone bright since 1861, and a century later, the stripped back BSA Hornet was developed on the same A65 platform as the Lightening and joined other evocative model names such as Thunderbolt, Rocket and Spitfire.
A far cry from the streets of Birmingham, the purpose-built Hornet was squarely aimed at the enthusiastic off-road desert racers in the U.S. and successfully competed against other British marques such as BSA-owned Triumph. Famously, Steve McQueen was hooked on desert racing and reportedly praised the Hornet’s powerful engine.
This stunning British bike was restored in the late 1970’s, is still in amazing condition, and takes advantage of the original specification Hornet high-compression engine with road-going ‘luxuries’ such as lights and a speedometer!.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Californian export
- Restored in Denmark around 1976
- UK import paperwork
A dating Certificate supplied by the BSA Owner’s Club, and based on official BSA records, suggests that this stunning Hornet was despatched to West Duarte, California, on the 5th December 1966.
Having soaked up (and possibly competed in?) the Californian sunshine for around ten years, it was then sold to a collector in Denmark who restored it and converted it to the road-friendly Lightening specification, retaining the original Hornet engine and transmission.
Yorkshire based dealer, Mike Ives Classic Motorcycles, then purchased the gentleman’s entire collection in 2015 or early 2016. The V5 indicates that the first U.K. keeper registered it on the 12th April 2016 and applied for a 1965 registration number.
The current second U.K. owner, and keen motorcyclist, acquired this gorgeous BSA soon after, on the 27th May 2016 and has only ridden it a couple of hundred miles. He has clearly kept it in tip-top condition and attended to any maintenance requirements.
This bike does not have a current (exempt) MOT and the (exempt) tax is on SORN.
A pleasing file of supportive paperwork includes:
- NOVA paperwork
- Number Plate Authorisation Certificate
- BSA Instruction Manual
- Up to date V5
- Two previous healthy MOT’s from 2016 and 2017
- BSA Owner’s Club Dating Certificate
- Sales Receipt from Mike Ives Classic Motorcycles
- Invoices for recent parts and labour
- Two sets of keys
THE CONDITION
- Stunning paintwork
- Spotless chrome
- Great instrumentation
The photographs of this quintessential classic British bike hopefully speak for themselves. Despite being cosmetically restored a good few years ago, this BSA is in fantastic condition and has clearly been kept indoors primarily for display purposes.
The classic black paintwork and extensive bright work is excellent, and the full double-cradle frame is in great order along with the fuel tank complete with it’s striking ‘BSA’ star emblems.
The side oil tank and battery cover feature ‘Lightening’ decals and a reference to this bikes earlier Hornet specification is mounted on the rear mudguard.
A Smiths speedometer and rev counter sit up front and are accompanied by a Lucas ammeter mounted on the headlight. Again, these are in great order, as is the saddle, alloy components, rubber fittings and lighting.
The gleaming rims and spokes look great and are shod with older but correct Dunlop Gold Seal K70 tyres with ample tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- Popular and powerful A65 650cc
- Well cared for mechanicals
- Ready to ride
Conforming to original Hornet specification, this A65 2H 650cc OHV parallel twin appears to be in good order. Featuring a high lift cam, two new 32” Amal mono-bloc carburettors, energy transfer coil ignition and 12 volt negative earth electrics.
With a claimed power of around 53bhp @6,800rpm these bikes are no slouches. Indeed the owner tells us that “this engine shifts”. The low-geared competition 4-speed transmission undoubtedly helps with acceleration but at the natural expense of top-end speed. The hydraulic front forks, swing-arm rear suspension and drum brakes are also said to perform well.
This BSA indicated around 100 miles on the clock when the owner purchased it in 2016 and he suggests the current mileage of 410 could be genuine?. There is no accompanying evidence or proof of a rebuild.
Reassuringly, the fuel tank was relined by MTS Classics, Milton Keynes, in 2016 and the usual oil leaks were rectified along with a service and MOT by The Motorcycle Workshop, West Sussex in 2017.
SUMMARY
The BSA Hornet (and indeed Lightening) are both highly collectable classic British motorcycles
and arguably the coolest looking bikes in the world.
This renovated beauty must surely epitomise what a motorcycle should look like. It is undoubtedly ready to admire or enjoy riding out with your motorcycling mates.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1966
- Make BSA
- Model Hornet
- Colour Black
- Odometer 410 Miles
- Engine size 650
Auction Details
Message C&C Auction Team
- Seller Type Private
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.