Description
This motorcycle is Lot 324 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 324
The Andrew Tillman Collection
1958 BSA 174cc Bantam D5 Super
Registration no. 472 CKP
Frame no. FD5 4962
Engine no. ED5B 4155
Painstakingly restored
Rare, one year only model with only 200-300 believed to survive
Original engine & frame
The design of the Bantam, as is well known, came to BSA as part of war reparations in the immediate post-war period. It was actually a 125 DKW which BSA reversed, thus moving the gearchange to the right-hand side of the engine in common with British practice of the day. It was put into production initially in 1948 and in the ensuing years was slowly developed, increasing in capacity from 125 to 150, and then to 175. Following the change from the original D1, the capacity was uplifted to 150cc with the advent of the D3 Bantam Major, which appeared for the 1954 model year, running alongside the two D1 models. The D3 gained a swinging arm frame for 1956, before, in 1958, the D5 Super made its debut with a swinging arm frame and enlarged capacity of 175. It remained in the model line-up for only one year until the appearance of the D7 for 1959.
472 CKP was despatched from the factory on 13th April 1958, to well-known dealers Boyers of Bromley, in Kent. It was purchased by the vendor in 2015 in a dismantled state, and given a 'nut-and-bolt' restoration over a period of 18 months. Attempting to keep the machine as close as possible to original specification, the vendor repainted the machine in the original Baynard Red colour, recovered the dual seat in the original shade of red, and fitted all original fittings, such as hard-to-find items including the correct dipswitch, ultra-rare air filter, headlamp switch, lower chainguard, and headlamp surround. Any remedial work required was carried out in the restoration, and the large amount of invoices in the history file attest to this.
The comprehensive history file includes a USB stick with photographs of the restoration. Also present is a complete tool kit. The Bantam has not been used on the road since completion of the restoration, but has, however, been regularly maintained. Last started in 2016, a new owner should only need to conduct light recommissioning, and basic safety checks, prior to use. Documentation comprises a current V5C, the aforementioned invoices, a BSA owners club dating certificate, the vendor's purchase receipt, and sundry papers. The machine is presently on SORN.
£2, 000 - 2, 600
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
