Description
This motorcycle is Lot 110 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 110
Formerly the property of Arthur Lampkin
1956 BSA 350cc Trials Motorcycle
Registration no. NUJ 68
Frame no. CB34. 186 (186 is a restamp - see text)
Engine no. BB32A 323 (see text)
Pictured in Don Morley's book Classic Motor Cycles BSA
Owned by Arthur Lampkin for approximately 20 years
Present ownership since 1992
Requires recommissioning
"A former 500cc motocross Grand Prix winner, gold medallist in the International Six Days Trial, no mean grass track racer, and a brilliant trials rider, Arthur rode into history when he won the 1963 Scottish Six Days." - On Two Wheels.
Arthur Lampkin and 'NUJ 68' are pictured in Don Morley's book Classic Motor Cycles BSA with the following caption: "Despite being catalogued, very few of 1954's superb duplex-framed, alloy BB-engined comp' jobs actually reached the public, although BSA's works riders won almost everything going on them."
'NUJ 68' was first registered on 6th April 1956. The earliest registration document on file is a (photocopied) old-style continuation logbook listing one Frank Smith of Yorkshire as owner in 1973. The logbook records the frame number as 'CB 34 186' and the engine number as 'DB 34 GS 927'. Confusingly, the clerk that filled out the logbook wrote the number '4' making it look like an 'X' in both instances, and this error has been maintained on subsequent registration documents. It also should be noted that the '186' part of the frame number appears to be a restamp, and that the engine currently fitted is number 'BB32A 323', contrary to what is recorded on the HPI and V5C documents. As recorded on the various registration documents, the original (CB34) engine was of 500cc whereas the BB32 type currently fitted is a '350'. The HPI also states that the vehicle is black and was previously red.
It is not known precisely when Arthur Lampkin purchased the BSA, but it must have been at some time between 1973 and 1983. In a letter on file Arthur states that he owned 'NUJ 68' until December 1990. Our vendor acquired the BSA on 25th March 1992. Recommissioning will be required before further use and thus the machine is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality, authenticity and correctness prior to bidding.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
