Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 11:00
1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star
Formally displayed in Ken Bills Museum
Estimate
£9, 000 - £11, 000
Registration No: 9679 TF
Frame No: GA10 1431
MOT: Exempt
Authentically restored RGS in touring trim
RRT2 stamped gearbox, 190mm f/ brake
Includes a good paperwork file and a V5C
The Birmingham Small Arms factory was established in the Small Heath area of Birmingham 1861 and as the name suggests manufactured weapons. Around the turn of the century they started making bicycles and progressed onto motorcycles a few years later. BSA went on to be one of the world's largest producers of motorcycles up until its demise in the early 1970s. Probably the most sought after models produced by BSA are the Gold Star range of 350 and 500cc singles and the rare Rocket Gold Star 650cc twin of the late '50s early 60s.
This excellent Rocket Gold Star has been part of the Brian Ditchfield collection, a retired engineer and lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who has in the past run a very successful Sidecar GP team, finishing in the top 6 in the 2003 World Championship. Bought by Brian 10 years ago, the GSOC records show it was initially sold by Bill Snape Motorcycles in Accrington in May 1963. Restored in the 1990s to a very high standard it then spent around 10 years as a star exhibit in Ken Bills motorcycle museum in Rochester. Presented in standard touring trim with a RRT2 stamped gearbox , 190mm front brake, 120 mph speedo and an 8k rev counter. Nothing has been overpolished or chromed where it shouldn't be, a good authentic example of how the bike would have left the factory all those years ago. Not run for a while it will need the normal checks before use and comes supplied with a Haynes manual, an original sales catalogue, a few old MOTs and a current V5C.
