Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1967 BSA Spitfire MKII
No Reserve
Registration No: KCK 708F
Frame No: A65SA4503Y
MOT: Exempt
Fitted with brand new, correct-specification AMAL carburettors and a correct metal fuel tank
Electronic ignition installed for improved starting, with original ignition components included
‘U’-prefix export model, consistent with known factory variations for North American–market Spitfires
Introduced in 1966, the BSA Spitfire Mk II was developed as a high-performance export model aimed primarily at the lucrative North American market. Based on the A65 platform, the Spitfire featured higher compression, sportier camshaft profiles, and twin carburation, giving it a quoted output of around 53bhp and placing it among the most powerful British twins of its day. The Mk II variant retained traditional British cycle parts while offering strong straight-line performance and an aggressive sporting character that appealed to riders seeking maximum output from a large-capacity parallel twin. As one of BSA’s ultimate factory-tuned road machines of the period, the Spitfire remains highly regarded today for its rarity, performance credentials, and its position at the peak of the company’s big-twin development
This BSA Spitfire Mk II was acquired as a restored and running motorcycle, with subsequent ownership focused on addressing a number of known issues and refining the machine. Since acquisition, it has been fitted with brand new, correct-specification AMAL carburettors (not pattern replacements), along with a correct metal fuel tank, replacing an earlier fibreglass copy that had deteriorated. An electronic ignition system has also been installed to improve starting and reliability, with the original ignition components accompanying the bike.
Chokes have recently been fitted, and new choke cables and a joiner are supplied with the machine, requiring fitting to complete the arrangement; the choke lever itself is not present. The motorcycle is described as starting readily, with any previous starting difficulties understood to have been unrelated to the machine itself.
The machine carries a ‘U’ prefix to the serial number, indicating original supply to the United States market. This designation is understood to reflect period factory practices, where machines were completed using available cycle parts to meet export demand, which may explain the absence of certain later specification components such as the 190mm front brake or alloy wheel rims. As such, the configuration is considered consistent with known factory variations on U-market Spitfires of the period.
Overall, this Spitfire Mk II represents a carefully sorted example that has benefited from continued mechanical investment following restoration, offered with accompanying original components and presented in a manner consistent with period factory practice
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
