Description
This motorcycle is Lot 72 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 72
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 72
1959 BSA 497cc A7SS
Registration no. 395 HKL
Frame no. GA7. 1241
Engine no. CA7SS (see text)
Announced in September 1946, the A7 was BSA's first production parallel twin. In 1951 the engine was extensively revised along the lines of the newly introduced Bert Hopwood-designed A10 650, and then in 1954 BSA's twins range was greatly expanded with the arrival of four new models featuring swinging-arm rear suspension. The introduction of the new duplex frame meant that the original A7's bolted-up gearbox had to go, but otherwise the engine remained much as before, though the new sports 500 - the A7 Shooting Star - featured an alloy cylinder head and detachable inlet manifold. With 32bhp on tap, the A7SS was good for a top speed in excess of 90mph. Production of all A7 models ceased with the introduction of the unitary construction A50 in 1962.
This BSA A7SS was purchased by the private vendor in 1997 (the vendor had sold their original A7SS back in 1962 to have enough money for the deposit on a house). A regular entrant in rallies and shows in the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire areas, the BSA has been stored in the owner's heated garage since acquisition and annually maintained. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed.
It should be noted that the HPI report lists the colour/ previous colour as Black (whereas on the V5 the colour is listed as Green). Additionally, the HPI report/ V5 list the engine number 'CA7SS6852', whereas the number stamped on the engine is 'CA7SS' (prefix only), the serial number apparently removed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Accompanying documents include the following:
Old-style V5 Registration Document (part)
1997 purchase receipt
BSA instruction manual
Various invoices/ bills
£2, 800 - 3, 200
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.
