Description
This motorcycle is Lot 389 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 389
c. 1957 BSA 720cc Rocket Gold Star Replica
Registration no. XPX 484
Frame no. CB32 2399 (see text)
Engine no. DA10R 8143
Widely recognised as one of the most desirable of all factory built 'café racers', the Rocket Gold Star arrived in 1962 along with the first of BSA's new unitary construction range. A combination of - mainly - Gold Star cycle parts and the A10 Super Rocket twin-cylinder engine, the newcomer represented the last of the old 'pre-unit' line rather than a new departure and thus was destined for a relatively short life. The idea of making what was effectively a twin-cylinder Goldie originated with Banbury motorcycle dealer Eddie Dow, who had built up a considerable body of expertise in looking after BSA's high-performance singles. Dow believed that his hybrid would bridge the gap between the end of Gold Star production and the introduction of new unitary construction sports models, and so it proved.
The Super Rocket engine's compression ratio was raised to 9. 25:1 for the RGS, the claimed maximum power increasing to 46bhp. But for some reason best known to BSA, the RGS frame was unique, although not that different from the production A7/ A10 item, as was the wider dual seat. The model was offered in a number of different forms and with a host of options relating to controls and equipment. Motor Cycle tested a Rocket Gold Star in November 1962, summing up the new BSA as a 'scintillating high-performance road burner: good brakes, excellent rider comfort and docile traffic manners.' A top speed of 105mph was achieved. Around 1, 800 Rocket Gold Stars were made over a two-year period and today genuine examples are highly sought after.
This Rocket Gold Star Replica was built from parts by the late private vendor and the engine was modified by a gentleman in Newcastle. We are advised by the vendor that the engine features alloy cylinder barrels and has been bored out to 720cc. The cylinder head is a special item too; believed to be one of the twin-carburettor heads sold in the USA. The frame is a modified B31 item incorrectly restamped, the original first letter 'E' being changed to a 'C' so the number no longer matches the registration records. The engine number is a partial restamp: the 'D' appears added and the 'R' has been added. The gearbox similarly is a restamp. No other history is known.
This motorcycle has not been used in some years so will need recommissioning before returning to the road. We are advised by the late private vendors family that it does have RRT2 ratios fitted in the gearbox. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's provenance, originality, correctness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed, it is offered with a V5C, sundry invoices and related articles.
£3, 500 - 5, 500
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.
