Description
This motorcycle is Lot 36 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 36
Property of a deceased's estate
1971 BSA A70L Lightning 750
Registration no. FHH 575K
Frame no. A70L/ JE01198
Engine no. A70L/ JE01198
• Ultra-rare limited edition model
• Despatched new to the USA
• First registered in the UK in 2019
• One owner since importation
• Sympathetically restored and improved
• Requires recommissioning
The BSA 750 Lightning was a special model developed to meet homologation requirements for dirt-track racing, specifically at the request of BSA's North American distributor. Based on the popular 650cc Lightning twin, the 750 version featured an increased stroke to boost displacement and revised overall gearing tailored for competition use. To comply with racing regulations, just 200 units were produced and shipped to the USA. Some surplus engines were also later assembled into complete motorcycles by BSA dealers in the UK, further highlighting the model's appeal and versatility.
About as rare as post-war BSAs get, this Lightning 750 was despatched from the factory to Birmingham Small Arms Incorporated in Towson, Baltimore, Maryland, USA on 20th August 1971 (according to the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry service, the machine was first registered on 31st December 1971). The BSA was acquired by the late owner on 30th April 2017 from Machivmotors (refer to accompanying Maintenance Log) and first registered in the UK on 1st May 2019. The machine retains its original engine.
Maintenance Log:
• 30th April 2017 – bought from Machivimotors
• 25th April 2018 – NOVA
• 3rd May 2019 – BSA OC Dating Certificate
• 18th September 2019 – total rebuild
• 3rd October 2019 – torque head down and tappets. Head OK ex slack is OK.
• 20th April 2020 – tappets spot on
• 3rd August 2020 – oil change
• 6th October 2020 – trip meter repair (330 correction).
• 6th October 2020 – new battery (Exide) AGM-12-09
• 16th June 2021 – replaced chain with Elite 100 links
• 15th July 2021 – oil filter change. Tappets spot on.
• 4th January 2022 – rear wheel change with new rim and tyre
• 15th July 2023 – oil change
• 14th October 2023 – speedo repair
Accompanying documentation includes the following:
• V5C Registration Certificate (showing zero former keepers)
• Vehicle tax reminder
• May 2019 DVLA application to register the vehicle, including number plate authorisation certificate and 2018 NOVA clearance
• 2019 BSA Owners Club Dating Certificate confirming despatch details and matching frame and engine numbers
• 2019 BSA Owners Club Vehicle Report – confirming the same despatch details and noting that the machine has been refurbished in the style of an A65 Hornet
• Selection of 2018 HMRC documents
• A65 crankshaft technical data
• Replacement parts list
Receipts and invoices include the following:
• 22nd August 2018 – Thunderbird Spares – main wiring loom and headlight loom – £95. 00
• 25th August 2018 – Thunderbird Spares – T140 clutch components, 3-spring alloy plate, 7-plate kit, sprocket nut – £361. 45
• 16th October 2018 – Thunderbird Spares – tacho cable, ignition switch, BL5 OIF, flasher unit, tappet adjustment parts – £76. 43
• 2nd October 2018 – Thunderbird Spares – amber reflector, brake shoe springs, balance pipe, clip assembly – £57. 30
• 28th February 2018 – Bannister Engines – BSA crankshaft: grind timing side, reface, weld thrust, grind drive side, regrind/ polish pins – £75. 00
• 27th September 2018 – Thunderbird Spares – cylinder head repairs: valves, valve stems, bronze guides – £223. 00
• 10th May 2018 – SRM Engineering – various crankshaft and cylinder head works – £343. 37
• 10th December 2018 – Burton Bike Bits – various parts – £346. 69
• 30th April 2017 – Machivmotors eBay receipt – BSA A70 Lightning Spitfire transmission, engine case, inner kicker primary cover – £633. 82
This motorcycle has not been run or maintained for approximately a year and will therefore require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent. As such, it is being sold strictly as seen. It was restored and carefully enhanced by its late owner, a retired aircraft engineer who worked on the Tornado with BA(E) and later served as Chief Engineer on the Nimrod at RAF Kinross. His high standard of precision engineering is clearly reflected in both the detailed maintenance log and the meticulous workmanship evident throughout the motorcycle. Until relatively recently, the motorcycle was regularly started, maintained, and kept in riding condition and represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a very well-presented example of the exceedingly rare BSA A70 Lightning. A correct A70 fuel tank, apparently repainted and complete with badges and top shroud, is included in the sale. Offered with two ignition keys but no steering lock key present.
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
