Description
Factory records show that this SS80 De luxe frame no. M8/ 1701 was used as the Olympia Show bike in October 1936 before being supplied to Laytons, Oxford on the 19th November.
Registered as DJO 575, 24th December ’36 the bike was supplied with a Smiths 120mph speedometer and Miller headlamp and Monarch forks, these parts remain with the bike today along with the aluminium front chain case; non-valanced split rear mudguard; pannier bags; and foot gear controls.
Early history of the bike is not known until it showed as being sold to a Mr Wakley of Kibworth, Leicestershire in 1955, Mr Glover also of Leicester in ’58, a Mr Holme, Gotham Notts. in 1966 and to a Mr Cooke, Wigston Leics. in 1969. All these being recorded in a RF60 buff logbook that is with the history file.
It was during this time in the 1960’s we believe the colour was changed to maroon ( anthracite red ) a particularly popular colour on BSA and Triumph motorcycles of this period. Brough Club records show it was spotted on the Banbury Run 1966 in this new colour but the chrome ‘Show’ finish on the fuel tank and cylinder barrels was still visible in 1955.
Supplied with some old MoT certificates and a copy of the works record card the bike has remained in this preserved condition and in the same family ownership since 1969.
A complete example it retains virtually all its original components making a restoration process much easier to complete. The integrity of the frame is excellent, the body work being good, only the fuel tank needing repair, the motor turns freely with good compression. A worthy restoration or even a preservation project.
