Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1958 BSA Bantam D5
First year of the 175cc model
Estimate
£2, 200 - £2, 800
Registration No: VVC 617
Frame No: FD5 3861
MOT: Exempt
Authentically presented D5 Bantam
First of the 175cc engined models
Supplied with a dating letter and a V5C
The Birmingham Small Arms factory was established in the Small Heath area of Birmingham in 1861 and, as the name suggests, manufactured weapons. Around the turn of the century they started producing bicycles, progressing onto motorcycles a few years later. BSA went on to be one of the world's largest manufacturers up until its demise in the early 1970s. Their best-selling model, and in fact the best selling British bike of all time, was the Bantam, first seen in 1948 as a 125cc. Over 250, 000 Batams were built, with the capacity eventually increasing to 175cc, offering many future enthusiasts their first taste of motorcycling.
One of the rarer Bantams, this nicely presented bike is a 175cc D5 model, only offered for the 1958 season. It was a development of the swinging arm 150cc D3 but with an increased cylinder bore size, raising the displacement to 173 cc and the power to 7. 5 bhp, together with an Amal Monobloc carburettor. Restored to a good, authentic standard by a previous owner, it comes supplied with a dating letter and a current V5C. Dry stored by the enthusaist owner, it will need the normal recommissioning checks before use.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
