Description
This motorcycle is Lot 114 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 114
Formerly the property of Arthur Lampkin
1957 BSA 500cc Gold Star Trials Motorcycle Combination Project
Registration no. UOL 849
Frame no. CB32 106
Engine no. BB34 GS 385 (see text)
Sidecar originally built for George Buck to use in the Monaco International Rally
Acquired from the famous trials, scrambles and ISDT champion, Arthur Lampkin
This BSA outfit features a unique Watsonian competition sidecar originally built for George Buck to use in the Monaco International Rally in 1952 or 1953. These facts are confirmed in a 1976 letter on file from Watsonian to previous owner Mick Bradbrook, who was seeking a source of fittings for attaching the 'chair' to a BSA Gold Star. According to the old-style continuation logbook on file, Mr Bradbrook had acquired the BSA in 1976. The current vendor acquired the combination in 1992 from the famous trials, scrambles and ISDT champion, Arthur Lampkin. The outfit has been built in 'ISDT' specification for participation in off-road and long-distance trials. It is presented in rolling chassis form and comes with a quantity of detached parts, including the incomplete engine. The frame appears correct and factory records indicate that it formed part of a BB34 Gold Star sent to Balfour Williams on 26th November 1953 (as a 1954 model) despite the 1957 date of registration to the continuation logbook. The engine number 'BB34GS. 385' is not recorded as having left the factory (entry blank). The top end of the motor is from a later type, while the crankcases are closer in date to the frame. Additional paperwork includes sidecar instructions; a press cutting; expired MoT (2003); old/ current V5/ V5C documents; and a letter from Arthur Lampkin confirming ownership. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, originality, correctness or otherwise prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.
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.
