1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 1 of 65)
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1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 1 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 2 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 3 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 4 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 5 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 6 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 7 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 8 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 9 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 10 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 11 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 12 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 13 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 14 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 15 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 16 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 17 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 18 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 19 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 20 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 21 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 22 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 23 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 24 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 25 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 26 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 27 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 28 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 29 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 30 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 31 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 32 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 33 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 34 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 35 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 36 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 37 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 38 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 39 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 40 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 41 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 42 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 43 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 44 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 45 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 46 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 47 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 48 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 49 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 50 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 51 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 52 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 53 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 54 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 55 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 56 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 57 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 58 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 59 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 60 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 61 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 62 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 63 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 64 of 65)
1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike For Sale (picture 65 of 65)
Winning bid
£2,750

1970 BSA Saracen Bantam One off concept Trials bike

Highlights

  • One-off bike, thought to be a development project from BSA's comp department
  • B175 Bushman engine with a one-of-eight transmission
  • Titanium swinging arm pin and front axle
  • Saracen frame built from Reynolds 531 tubing

The Appeal

Sometimes a bike arouses fascination thanks to its history. During the late 60s and early 70s, BSA were hard at work on all manner of trial bikes and projects, and one of them was this. Originally assembled by the BSA Competition Department as an experimental product, this was very specifically the work of BSA's prototype golden boy, Brian Martin - attempting to bring a 'customer-tier' Bantam Trials product to fight off the likes of Bultaco. The framework, meanwhile, came from the Saracen Company of Stroud, while the engine was sourced from Bushman. It was arguably well ahead of its time...but the company wouldn't last long enough to find out.

In 1972, BSA folded with very little fanfare, and engineering departments were told to pack up and ship out. It was a 'free for all' - everybody could get what they could grab. That included the BSA Saracen Bantam, which never got a chance to enter production, although if you were to ask any enthusiast, they'd tell you it would have been a hit!

This bike was never 100% completed at BSA, and was only first registered for the road in 1975. Since then, it's been cherished by the keepers who've known its story. Now in its current ownership for over 10 years, this fine mount is a true one-of-one bike that's ready for recommissioning for the road.
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History and Paperwork

  • Built in 1970 as concept bike
  • Registered in 1975
  • In current ownership for 10 years
  • Supplied with:
    • V5c
    • A collection of handbooks and manuals
    • A small collection of invoices
    • Some old MOT certificates
    • A typed up history of the bike
    • Some catalogues and parts books 

The Condition

  • Beautifully presented, lightweight motorcycle in excellent order
  • Frame made from Reynolds 531 tubing by the Saracen Company, Stroud
  • No sign of any significant paint loss, dents or dings
  • Original decals and branding
  • Fuel tank is clean and well-kept
  • Seat is free of any rips or tears
  • All mechanical components look in sound order 

The Mechanics

  • 175cc twin-stroke engine
  • Rare gearbox - one of only 8 known to have been built
  • The vendor notes that the clutch is as-fitted to Bonkey Bower's ex-factory bike
  • Honda Flywheel Magneto
  • Electronic Ignition
  • Rickman Front Hub
  • Some suspicion that the Magnesium Forks were sourced from Jeff Smith's factory bikes, though this can't be confirmed
  • Has not been ridden in some time
  • Being sold as a non-starter
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.. 
Winning bid
£2,750
Sold
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Auction Details

  • Year2025
  • MakeBSA
  • ModelBantam
  • ColourRed
  • Engine size175cc
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBradford-on-Avon
  • CountyWiltshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

7 Bids from 6 bidders

DwightS••••
Bid
£2,750
02/05/25
KJ••••
Bid
£2,600
02/05/25
EagleFa••••
Bid
£2,500
02/05/25
vmxwobb••••
Bid
£2,200
02/05/25
vmxwobb••••
Bid
£2,000
29/04/25
johnche••••
Bid
£1,500
27/04/25
ian-col••••
Bid
£1,000
25/04/25

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