Description
This motorcycle is Lot 301 - 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 301
1954 BSA 499cc CB34 Gold Star
Registration no. JSL 708
Frame no. CB32. 482
Engine no. CB34. GS. 109
1954 Clubmans Senior TT race leader
Clubmans TT Third place finisher
Restored condition
Ewen McGregor Haldane took part in the 1953 Clubman's Junior TT race and finished a creditable 12th place - not bad for a first effort. In 1954 he was back, and equipped with a new Gold Star CB34 500 to take part in the Clubman's Senior TT. The CB34 was the first of the 'big-fin' goldies, and state of the art at the time. It was equipped with the swinging arm frame which had appeared the year before, and now, with the new uprated CB motor, and (for racing) close ratio gearbox, and Amal Grand Prix racing carburettor, it was a force to be reckoned with.
In the four-lap race, Haldane set a scorching pace, topping the leaderboard at the end of the first lap, and setting a new lap record in the process. Following behind were Denton in second (one second behind), and King in third. On the second lap Haldane increased his lead over Denton by 12 seconds, and shaved another two seconds off his first lap record. On the third lap Haldane again set another lap record, only for it to be immediately broken by Denton. That was shattered by King at the end of his third lap, bringing him into second place in the running order. At the end of the third lap Haldane was due for a fuel stop, and what should have been a 'splash and dash' became a disaster when Haldane over-shot his pit, and the longer fuel stop lost him over 30 seconds. When he rejoined the race, he was behind Denton on the road, and although Haldane managed to pass Denton, all Denton had to do to keep the lead was to stay with Haldane to benefit from the 30 second difference in their starting positions. Denton's last lap was quick, but further back in the field, Alastair King was even faster, breaking the lap record for the final time, and taking the win by over 5 seconds from Denton, with Haldane coming in third.
Ewen returned home and sold the Gold Star to recoup some funds. Some years later, Ewen's Goldie was found in a barn, and was rebuilt and renovated by David Webber, with assistance from John Walker. Ewen was reunited with the bike at the TT Classic Parade in 2004 on the 50th anniversary of their Clubman race. He was able to buy the machine from Webber in 2004 and bring it home.
Sadly, Ewen passed away, and his family have decided that their father would like his bike to go to someone who can use and appreciate it, hence the entry to the Bonhams sale. The bike has not been used for some years, and whilst it will be started before the sale, it will need some degree of re-commissioning and safety checks if it is to be used or paraded by a new owner.
Documentation comprises a current V5C, copies of the period press report of the 1954 race, copies of the Gold Star Owners club details of original specification and engine test certificate, details of the restoration, and sundry paperwork. Key not required.
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.
