Lot Ended
Description
A rare find in full
clubman trim; well-documented interesting history; looking beautiful; probably
one of the most successful production racing motorcycles of its
era
First registered in May 1956
and with the current owner for last 4/5 years. For the last 12 months it's been
on display at local BSA motorcycle dealership.
Originally registered on the registration
number 321 APL but now carries the non-transferable number 291
XVG.
Bob Gardiner acquired this Gold Star Clubman’s
model on 27th October 1986. Discovering the engine had been swapped for a later
unit, Gardiner initiated legal proceedings against the seller due to the absence
of the correct RRT2 gearbox. Following successful resolution, he sourced and
fitted the correct gearbox, restoring the bike to its proper
specification.
Arguably the most successful production racing motorcycle
of its era, the post-war BSA Gold Star became the backbone of Clubman’s racing
throughout the 1950s. Its near-total dominance—capped by Bernard Codd’s
remarkable double win in the 1956 Isle of Man Clubman’s TT (Junior and Senior
classes)—led to the event's eventual discontinuation.
Beyond the
racetrack, the Gold Star's reputation extended into trials and scrambles,
proving the machine's adaptability with a stellar off-road competition record.
Yet, for purists and collectors, the ultimate expression of this iconic
single-cylinder motorcycle is the 500cc DBD34 in Clubman’s specification.
Introduced in 1956, the DBD34 featured the renowned RRT2 close-ratio gearbox and
a powerful 190mm front brake as standard—marking it as the pinnacle of BSA's
sporting line until production ended in 1963.
Today, the Gold Star
remains among the most coveted post-war British motorcycles, bolstered by the
support of an exceptionally passionate owners’ club.
Contact: [email protected]