19th Apr, 2012 10:00
Imperial War Museum Duxford
1965/66 BSA A65
Estimated at £8,500 - £9,500
Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: A506188
Engine No: EO282
cc: 654
MOT Expiry Date: None
The British Small Arms company's range of large capacity motorcycles entered a new era when a revolutionary pair of twins with 500cc and 650cc engines was introduced in January 1962. Designed around the earlier engine with similar crankshaft and valve gear components the new power units featured extended crankcases designed to accept the gearbox clusters and gearchange mechanism together with what were the old engine's working parts into one unit, hence ''unit construction''. This, with other design simplifications, gave many production savings and became the normal layout for all the company's engines for the rest of it's life. The basic A65, designated Star, was joined throughout the model's existence by Rocket, Thunderbolt, Lightning and the sports models Spitfire- Hornet, Wasp and Firebird, all built around the Power Egg as the engine became known and all are sought after today, making excellent roadbikes with spares available from many specialists. Various modern modifications, which have been developed through the years, improve reliability and the marque is supported by the very active and enthusiastic BSA Owners Club.
The superb A65 based race bike on offer here is believed, although there is no actual documentary evidence to confirm it, to have been purchased from the winding up sale at BSA in 1972, although it is believed manufactured in 1965/6. The engine is reported to have been built for the Daytona race meeting of that time. It is reported by the current owner to be 'very good' in mechanical and electrical respects although could be described as slightly cosmetically challenged, being only 'fair' as far as paint and brightwork is concerned. Having been restored some 20 years ago, the front wheel, tank and seat covering have been replaced. In very purposeful race trim with many unique features and obvious modifications, it's racing pedigree and other history is unknown at present and no documents are available.
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: A506188
Engine No: EO282
cc: 654
MOT Expiry Date: None
The British Small Arms company's range of large capacity motorcycles entered a new era when a revolutionary pair of twins with 500cc and 650cc engines was introduced in January 1962. Designed around the earlier engine with similar crankshaft and valve gear components the new power units featured extended crankcases designed to accept the gearbox clusters and gearchange mechanism together with what were the old engine's working parts into one unit, hence ''unit construction''. This, with other design simplifications, gave many production savings and became the normal layout for all the company's engines for the rest of it's life. The basic A65, designated Star, was joined throughout the model's existence by Rocket, Thunderbolt, Lightning and the sports models Spitfire- Hornet, Wasp and Firebird, all built around the Power Egg as the engine became known and all are sought after today, making excellent roadbikes with spares available from many specialists. Various modern modifications, which have been developed through the years, improve reliability and the marque is supported by the very active and enthusiastic BSA Owners Club.
The superb A65 based race bike on offer here is believed, although there is no actual documentary evidence to confirm it, to have been purchased from the winding up sale at BSA in 1972, although it is believed manufactured in 1965/6. The engine is reported to have been built for the Daytona race meeting of that time. It is reported by the current owner to be 'very good' in mechanical and electrical respects although could be described as slightly cosmetically challenged, being only 'fair' as far as paint and brightwork is concerned. Having been restored some 20 years ago, the front wheel, tank and seat covering have been replaced. In very purposeful race trim with many unique features and obvious modifications, it's racing pedigree and other history is unknown at present and no documents are available.
Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 19th Apr, 2012
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