Highlights

Reunited with its original engine, gearbox, and front wheel after decades apart
Raced for over 40 years, including at the Isle of Man, by a previous registered keeper
Repurchased by its original owner after nearly six decades
Clubman specification with GP carburettor and RR T2 gearbox

The Appeal

The BSA DBD34 Gold Star Clubman is among the most celebrated British singles ever built, a machine designed to be raced on the weekend and ridden home afterwards. With its GP carburettor, clip-on handlebars, and purposeful stance, the Clubman specification represents the Gold Star at its most focused.

This particular example carries a story that few motorcycles can rival. First acquired by the current seller circa 1968, the original engine, gearbox, and front wheel were removed for use in a Norton-framed special, and a replacement Gold Star engine was fitted to the frame. The bike was then sold on, eventually passing to Mr Peter Cotterell in 1975, who raced it with passion for over 40 years, including at the Isle of Man. Following Peter's passing, the bike was advertised for sale by his family in 2025, and the original owner, now 80 years old, seized the chance to bring it home. Remarkably, he had kept the original engine, gearbox, and front wheel throughout the intervening decades, and the bike has now been reunited with these components. The vendor describes the bike as being in excellent condition following the rebuild, and it has reportedly not been ridden since.

Key Information

Mileage: 245 miles indicated (odometer noted to have been replaced)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 500cc single-cylinder, four-speed manual
Paperwork: documented ownership history spanning multiple decades, we are told

The Detail

Engine is a standard DBD34 Clubman unit with GP carburettor
Fitted with RR T2 gearbox
Kick start only; the vendor states it starts within a few kicks
The vendor states the engine runs with no smoke and no unusual rattles
The vendor reports all chrome is in very good order
The vendor states the paintwork presents well
Retains original clip-on handlebars with part numbers
Much of the fastenings are stainless steel, made to original BSA specification
Petrol tank is an aftermarket item made in India
Original exhaust system retained, showing some patina
Bike has reportedly not been used since the rebuild
IMG_1988 Geoff garland.jpeg 2.09 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.