Description
This motorcycle is Lot 66 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 66
c. 1937 BSA B22/ B25 350cc Empire Star (see text)
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. HB20 4060 (see text)
Engine no. HB25. 108.
• Non-matching numbers
• B25 competition engine
• An older restoration
• Last run in March 2025
Throughout the 1930s BSA concentrated on producing a range of dependable, well-made, competitively priced motorcycles. The firm's single-cylinder range was redesigned by Val Page for 1937, the engines taking on many of the characteristics they would retain in the post-war era, most notably dry-sump lubrication, a rear-mounted magneto and that distinctively shaped timing cover.
There were three new offerings in the 250 class: the sidevalve B20 and a pair of overhead-valve models – B20 and B22 - the latter designation being adopted for the top-of-the-range Empire Star. The new engines were housed in conventional cycle parts and drove via four-speed gearboxes, the Empire Star's benefiting from the convenience of foot change.
In the 350 class there were four new models: the sidevalve B23 and a trio of overhead-valve machines: the B24 Empire Star, the B26 Star, and the B25 Competition model, which came equipped for trials use. The new engines were housed in conventional cycle parts and drove via four-speed gearboxes, the Empire Star's benefiting from the convenience of foot change. These B-series models lasted until the wholesale revision of the range for 1940, which saw all four dropped.
An earlier restoration, this BSA motorcycle was purchased by the private vendor from Spinning Wheel Classics in July 2021, at which time it carried a registration correlating with an different frame number. Accordingly, the motorcycle is offered unregistered and sold strictly as viewed - prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the identity, age and authenticity of the machine's component parts - and the successful buyer will need to re-register the motorcycle with the DVLA under its displayed frame number.
Reputedly, this machine was supplied as a factory demonstrator; however, the BSA Owners Club Dating Certificate on file suggests that this non-matching-numbers example may have been assembled at a later date. This certificate confirms the machine was originally manufactured in 1937 as a 250cc B22 OHV Empire Star and was despatched to Clarkes Motor Depot, St Albans on 19th February 1937. It is fitted with a B25 350cc competition engine from a machine despatched to Bee Cycle & Motor Company, Liverpool on 10th December 1936.
The BSA was last run in March 2025 and the vendor describes its overall condition as good. It should be noted that there is evidence of a repair near the engine number (see image) and it appears the engine number prefix 'HB 25' has been restamped over the repair.
Accompanying paperwork includes the following:
A BSA Rider's Instruction Book for B-Models
A BSA Motorcycle Instruction Book for 1937 Models
A July 2022 Armoto Ltd delivery note for a Lucas M01 magneto repair, new coil and condenser, new bearings, and magnetising
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.
