1954 BSA Gold Star

Highlights

Exhibited in the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum until May 2022
Restored around the time it was exhibited
Original petrol tank refurbished
Mechanically sound for a 1950s bike

The Appeal

BSA, in many ways, summates the legendary status of the British Motorcycle during that mid-century period when speeds were high and mechanics were simple. The Gold Star, in turn, was one of the most highly regarded motorcycles you could buy.

Bred for competition in races like the Isle of Man Clubman’s TT and the Daytona 200 Miles (it was even named after the 'Gold Star award' given by Brooklands to a BSA rider who lapped the circuit at over 100mph in 1937), it was equipped with nothing less than an all-alloy 350cc or 500cc overhead-valve single. That was a remarkably seductive prospect - those who belonged to the coffee-bar crowd in the 1950s will be quick to note just what a loud, dramatic and altogether spectacular sight the Gold Star was.

Purchased by the vendor two years ago, this example of the Gold Star was once a popular museum exhibit, and has since enjoyed a new lease on life on the road. Mechanical work has been undertaken and the bike is now in fine working order, with a few little spots for improvement should the lucky new owner wish.

History and Paperwork

Supplied new through A. Brown of Viewforth Place, Pittenweem, Fife
Registered with the DVLA in January 1984, hence it is believed to have been restored around that time
Purchased by a prominent collector in October 2015
Exhibited in the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum in Calne, Wiltshire, until 2022
In current ownership since September 2022
MOT exempt
Currently indicates 42,087 miles on a five-figure odometer

The Condition

Light patina across some of the chrome and on ancillary parts like the headlamp
Original petrol tank refurbished
A couple of small dents in the rear chrome mudguard
The wheels and tyres look to be in very good condition
Speedometer is inoperative
No battery currently installed
Rare original supplier plaque, from A. Brown of Pittenweem, on the rear mudguard

The Mechanics

499cc alloy air-cooled OHV 2V pushrod single engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
On delivery, it would not start and there were untoward mechanical noises from the barrel, so the bike underwent repair
On stripping and rebuilding the engine it was noted that it has a recent re-bore and new piston
The magneto had no spark so that was rebuilt with a rewound armature, new points etc by Armoto in Chesterfield
The petrol tank was refurbished and a new pair of petrol taps fitted
The primary chain has been replaced recently along with clutch components
It now starts well (though can be intermittent at times) and has a healthy 'bark' from the exhaust
The engine is oil tight
The chaincase has been repaired but does still drip occasionally
Currently the bike has no battery installed
The vendor notes that some improvement wouldn't go amiss but is otherwise an eminently usable bike
Mechanically sound for a 1950s bike, though there is always room for improvement

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