BSA Gold Star

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On Wednesday 30th June 1937 a specially prepared 500cc Empire Star in the capable hands of Wal Handley made its race debut at the famous Brooklands circuit and not only came home first but also achieved a 100mph lap, thus earning a Brooklands Gold Star, an award that was to give BSA's new top of the range sports machine it's evocative name.

Possibly the most successful production racing machine of all time, the Gold Star went on to dominate production racing post-WWII as well as spawning a range of equally successful off-road scrambles and trials machines. While the original all-alloy Gold Star engines were housed in rigid frames and featured small fin motors, for most enthusiasts the true "Goldie" was the post-1955 DBD 34 Gold Star Clubman’s 500 machine with its swinging arm frame and large finned engine, clip-on handlebars and racing riding position.

It was offered with various road and racing options and states of tune for out-and-out racing, fast road work, scrambles or touring options, with a choice of cams, carburettors, gear ratios and front brake options. Today the Gold Star remains one of the most highly sought after of the post-war British motorcycles and is supported by an enthusiastic owners club and spares supply.

The Clubman’s trim DBD Gold Star on offer here was first registered in January 1956 and features clip-on bars, rear set footrests, 1.5" Amal GP carburettor and sought after 190mm front brake option. It was fully refurbished in 2007 and has spent the last eight years on display in the owner’s living room (much to the delight of his wife, no doubt…).

Recently brought out of storage and recommissioned for sale with a new battery fitted, it reportedly started easily after this long rest period and ran and rode well with no noticeable problems or oil leaks. Currently on SORN, it is supplied with a modern V5C and is, of course, MOT exempt and eligible for free Historic road tax.