***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Lightning with factory-supplied Clubman engine
- Older restoration that remains in very good condition
- Rare and very collectible 60s production racing bike
The Appeal
In the mid 1960s BSA and Triumph were locked in battle both on the track and in showrooms. The result was a run of superlative bikes, of which BSA’s evocatively-named Lightning Clubman is amongst the rarest and even now, 60 years on, the most collectible.
Just 200 factory-built Lightning Clubmans left the factory between September 1964 and October 1965. The A65DC engine was available as an option and retrospective conversions by owners are common.
This Lightning sits somewhere between those different options. It is a Lightning that left the factory with the A65DC Clubman engine. It has been checked and verified by the owners club.
It is an older restoration - the work clearly done to a high standard - and with little use since presents in excellent condition. This is a rare treat for enthusiasts.
It is an older restoration - the work clearly done to a high standard - and with little use since presents in excellent condition. This is a rare treat for enthusiasts.
The History and Paperwork
- Appears to have originally been sold to North America.
- First UK registered on 1st December 1999
- We are told that the frame and engine numbers have been verified by the owners club
- It has the correct Clubman A65DC engine number
- Build date according to DVLA records would place it correctly in the Clubman build period
- We are told there is a large history file
- Older restoration that has clearly been executed to a high standard with careful attention to detail
- Factory records identify this as a Lightning but we are told it left the factory with Clubman engine and frame
The Lightning Clubman was built as a production racing bike for use by the factory and independent racers on track. Although based on the production Lightning, these bikes can be easily identified by their gold and black paintwork, drop handlebars and rearset footrests. This bike demonstrates some of those features but is not one of the 200 Lightning Clubmans.
The vendor states that the BSA is noted down in the factory records as a Lightning although it left with the correct clubman engine and frame, as confirmed by a dating certificate. He advises that it will need to be registered with a DVLA frame number due to the original number being marked as invalid by the DVLA. There were two BSA out there with the same frame numbers so the DVLA decided to wipe both of them of their system hence now needs to be supplied with a DVLA issued one.
The vendor states that the BSA is noted down in the factory records as a Lightning although it left with the correct clubman engine and frame, as confirmed by a dating certificate. He advises that it will need to be registered with a DVLA frame number due to the original number being marked as invalid by the DVLA. There were two BSA out there with the same frame numbers so the DVLA decided to wipe both of them of their system hence now needs to be supplied with a DVLA issued one.
The Condition
- Older restoration presented in barely used condition with few signs of age
- Well detailed refurbishment clearly paid attention to factory specification
- Distinctive gold and black paintwork with chome tank highlights
- Beautiful BSA badges to tank and engine cover with rubber tank guards
- Chromework and chrome trim very clean and bright with no tarnishing
- Wire wheels with tyres showing good condition and plenty of tread
- Fittings such as grips for hands and feet present well with no visible wear
- Smiths dials appears to have been refurbished and in good condition
- Drop handlebars and paintwork specific to Clubman
The Mechanics
- 654cc parallel twin BSA engine developing 51bhp
- Cranked kick start
- Four speed gearbox with chain final drive
- Twin carburettors
BEFORE YOU BUY
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