Description
This motorcycle is Lot 161 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 161
The Andy Chapman Collection
c. 1961 BSA 497cc A7
Registration no. 103 WTW
Frame no. GA7 19167
Engine no. CA7 9461
Announced in September 1946, the A7 was BSA's first production parallel twin. Mechanically it followed Triumph lines albeit with a single camshaft rather than the Triumph's two. Unusually, the gearbox bolted directly to the rear of the engine in semi-unit style. The entire ensemble was housed in an unsprung duplex loop frame. A sports version - the Star Twin - arrived for 1949. The engine was extensively revised for 1951 along the lines of the newly introduced Bert Hopwood-designed A10 650, and then in 1954 BSA's twins range was greatly expanded with the arrival of four new models featuring swinging-arm rear suspension. The introduction of the new duplex frame meant that the A7's bolted-up gearbox had to go, but otherwise the engine remained much as before.
Our vendor acquired this A7 for his collection in 2019. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. It should be noted that the magneto inspection cover is missing and that the HT leads are detached. Accompanying paperwork consists of old/ current V5C documents, sundry invoices and some expired MoTs.
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.
