Lot number	213
Hammer value	£5,400
Description	BMW R50
Registration	HHW 236G
Year	1969
Colour	Black
Engine size	500 cc
Chassis No.	646440
Engine No.	646440

By 1969, the BMW R50/R60 range was showing its age. Introduced in 1960, the styling looked like it was from the previous decade, the distinctive leading-link Earles forks which made them particularly suitable for sidecar work adding to the impression.

By the time of its demise, sales were becoming difficult in its home market, so a great deal of effort was put into South African and US exports.

This ex-South African example dates from 1969 and was imported to the UK in 2001. A comprehensive history file details the fortune that has been spent on the machine since its arrival in the UK. Bills for a re-bore and new pistons, along with photos and a bill for £1,668 in 2003 accompany the import paperwork.

The vendor, who purchased the machine back in 2011 has continued to lavish much care and attention on it through the services of Malvern-based fettler Vintage Metal. This included another engine rebuild, hardened valve seats, new tyres and tubes, a custom made crash-bar and new suspension bushes.

Having covered under 1,000 miles since, he confirms that it is just about run-in. It started instantly and ran beautifully when manouvering for the photographs and is MOTd until June 2014. Very much on the button, this is as fine an example as you will find and is only for sale because the vendor prefers his equally lovely Sunbeam S7 - lucky chap!