1960 BSA Gold Star, Clubman Trim, 500 cc. Registration numbe...

Hammer

£24,000

1960 BSA Gold Star, Clubman Trim, 500 cc. Registration number 152 MTD. Frame number CB32 9423. Engine number DBD34 GS 5131. Gearbox RRT2.
To start the Goldie story, we go back to 1937, when Wal Handley came out of retirement to ride a three-lap race for BSA at Brooklands. Winning the race, with the fastest lap of 107.5mph, Wal earned himself the Gold Star (awarded for race laps in excess of 100mph) and with it launched the Gold Star marque. The following year saw the first of the production Gold Stars, the M24, complete with the trademark alloy barrel and cylinder head. The engines were built from individually selected parts and bench tested, a practice that was to remain throughout its life. The machine, an instant 'good-looker' and a bargain at £82, was capable of 90mph performance though possibly without the handling to match, and pre-war production was restricted to under 500 machines. Post war, BSA launched the ZB32 in 1948 at a price of £211. In order to satisfy the eligibility requirements for the Clubman’s TT, over 100 machines were produced, 21 of which were entered into the 1949 350cc junior race, a race to be dominated by Gold Stars for the next eight years. The 350CC model was followed by the 500cc ZB34.
1953 saw the introduction of the BB series (BB32-350cc/BB34-500cc) with new duplex cradle frame and swinging arm rear suspension. These were followed in 1954 by the CB series with engine changes aimed primarily at the road racers. Immediate success was achieved in the Clubman’s TT and this cycle of engine redesign and immediate success was repeated the following year with the DB series. Towards the end the Gold Star was only offered in scrambles or Clubman’s trim. In 1963 Lucas ceased to produce the magneto used in the B series, which was a prime reason that BSA and Triumph reconfigured their pre-unit-construction parallel twins into engines with integral gearboxes, simultaneously converting the ignition system from magneto to battery and coil. The Gold Star was not considered for progression to unit-construction, and instead the 250cc BSA C15 was developed (via the B40) into the 500cc B50.
This two owner example was dispatched from the factory on the 25th January 1960 to Kings of Stretford in Manchester on consignment note 30396 and tally number 2155, in Clubman’s Trim. On the 1st February 1960 Stanley Robinson of Rossendale bought it and kept it until Phil Cotton Classic Bikes of Dalton in Furness sold it to our vendor on the 17th November 1993. At this time it had a mileage of 23,588 and a 1966 Triumph Bonneville was taken in part exchange as part of the £7,950 price paid. Unused until 2012, when a new MOT was issued at 23,596 miles and new tyres were fitted. Today the mileage is only 23,617 and she has just had a new clutch fitted and a service before being consigned to the auction.
Sold with the V5C, 1993 and 2012 MOT's, 1993 purchased receipt and 1993 Gold Star Owner Club Certificate and a copy of the brake test dated 13/01/1960.