1957 BSA Dandy 70 cc. Registration number XRH 410 (see text)...

Hammer

£420

1957 BSA Dandy 70 cc. Registration number XRH 410 (see text). Frame number DS 125290. Engine number 12187.
The Dandy was very well received at its launch in 1955. Combining styles of scooter and moped, the motorcycle press considered it to be ahead of its time. British manufacturers had been forced into the scooter market by the Italians. The success of Vespa and Lambretta had created an enormous market for scooters, which, by the mid-fifties, seriously affected sales of motorcycles. Worse for motorcycle manufacturers was the fact that scooters were so much more popular with young people, women and first-timers. Whereas the entire British motorcycle industry had been founded on principles of masculinity, self-sufficiency and amateur mechanics. It was nothing less than a major culture clash.
The Dandy was revolutionary in its design. It should have been in pole position defending the Realm against so many imported two-wheelers. Unfortunately, despite some success at its launch, it was soon apparent that the Dandy had been dumped on the public without sufficient road-testing. It suffered from gearbox problems, and became a typical example of British industry's inability to match foreign competition in the new 1950's lightweight motorcycle/ scooter/ moped market. The British lost the battle, first to the Italians (scooters), the Germans (mopeds) and soon to the Japanese (everything else). Production ceased in 1962.
This example was first registered by Jordan's of Hull on the 26th November 1957 before being sold to Bernard Cuthbert of Partrington in the March of 1958; he sold it on to Charles Ducker of Cottingham in March 1959. Our vendor acquired it in 1990 as a box of bits and reassembled it. He applied to DVLC for the registration number but was turned down and never took the matter further. His son rode it for a while before it was parked up.
This unusual machine, with wonderful patina, has never been restored and will require recommissioning before new discussions with DVLA.
Sold with the R.F.60,V55/5 dated 01/07/90 and DVLA letter of 22/06/90.