Highlights

Very rare early Mk2 Special
Great condition and largely standard
Fitted with new AMAL concentric carbs with originals included
Current keeper since 2016
Long list of remedial work by seller since purchase
Replacement cylinder head and electronic ignition since purchase
Dry stored and little used since 2019

The Appeal

If you’re going to name your new bike after one of Britain’s best-loved fighting machines, you’d better ensure it’s good. BSA’s Spitfire certainly was, dubbed a ‘factory hot rod’ and designed to compete with Triumph’s all-conquering Bonneville. At launch, the Spitfire was the fastest production bike that BSA had ever built, capable of 120mph from its 650cc parallel twin.

This 1966 bike is one of the original first-year ‘Mk2’ models and retains its eye-catching Peony Red fibreglass bodywork and array of neat Spitfire decals. The vendor acquired it in 2016 after it had been reimported to the UK in 1992, and he has used it sparingly. Work has included fitting upgraded AMAL concentric carburettors (the original AMAL GPs are included) and replacing the cylinder head with new valves, guides and gaskets. It is also fitted with electronic ignition with a power box. Other work has included new control cables, flowliner tank sealer, kickstart quadrant plus KS rubber & cotter pin.

We are told that it has been little used since 2019, when it was placed into dry, heated storage. The buyer advises that some recommissioning may therefore be required. Once done, the buyer gets a seriously entertaining bike to enjoy.

The vendor says:

“The bike handles very well and is very nimble. The appearance of the bike is great in the cafe racer style. It certainly turns heads! This should be a straightforward project with the end result of a desirable classic.”

“I ran the bike till 2019, and since then it has been stored in a heated, dry garage. It has not run since 2019 and will need to be re-commissioned. From 2016-2019, I used the bike on short local runs, and it rode very well. Occasionally, it jumped out of first gear on hard acceleration.”

Key Information

Mileage: 2,440 miles (stated as correct but not verified
Country of registration: UK (imported from the USA)
Technical inspection status: exempt, last MOT expired July 2018
Technical specs: 654cc air cooled OHV twin-cylinder, four-speed manual
Paperwork: good history file of invoices, V5C, handbooks, workshop manual, handwritten notes

Notable maintenance since 2016 advised by seller:

Replacement cylinder head fitted
New valves, guides and gaskets
Boyer electonic ignition kit fitted with power box
New control cables
Flowliner tank sealer
Replacement kickstart quadrant
KS rubber & cotter pin

The Detail

Well presented bike with factory standard Peony Red fibreglass bodywork
Light signs of age to chrome, fittings and paint but not unsightly
Original factory decals and badging in very good condition
Chromework presents well with light tarnish such as inside front mudguard
Light alloy spoked rims in good order with Dunlop tyres fitted
BSA-branded ‘humped back’ saddle fitted
Lots of recent mechanical work and upgrades as detailed above
Fitted with 12V factory electrics with Boyer electronic ignition now in place
New AMAL concentric carburettors fitted since 2016
Original AMAL GP carburettors included in the sale
Instruments and switchgear are reported to be working
Presented in cafe racer style
Will require recommissioning as it has not run since 2019
One of four sump plate studs has sheared and requires removal
Occasionally jumped out of first gear under hard acceleration

BEFORE YOU BUY

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