Description
This motorcycle is Lot 237 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 237
The Andy Chapman Collection - Part II
1972 BSA A70 Lightning 750
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. A70L GE01068
Engine no. A70L/ GE01068
By then in serious financial trouble, the BSA-Triumph Group collapsed in 1972, its last catalogue having been published the preceding autumn. The 650cc Thunderbird and Lightning twins were included, but there was no mention of an addition to the line up: the Lightning 750. The latter had been produced at the behest of BSA's North American distributor, which wanted a 750cc model that could be modified for dirt-track racing. The required stretch was achieved with a longer stroke, and overall gearing raised appropriately. 200 machines had to be built to satisfy the racing regulations, and all were shipped to the USA, though some leftover engines were later built into complete machines by BSA dealers in the UK.
About as rare as post-war BSAs get, this Lightning 750 is probably one of those originally sent to the USA, as evidenced by the presence of side reflectors and the US-style certification plate. The machine displays a total of 7, 939 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography) but nothing else is known of its history. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle 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 (the engine turns over with compression). There are no documents or keys with this Lot.
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.
