1955 BSA 348cc Gold Star

1955 BSA 348cc Gold Star
Frame no. CB32C.5638 (see text)
Engine no. DB32.GS.1049.
• The most collectible of all 'café racers'
• The 350 Gold Star in its final form
• 'Certificate of Performance' available

On Wednesday 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star 500 ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of the Brooklands circuit on its way to a debut race victory and award of the Gold Star that would give BSA's new super sports model its evocative name. The Gold Star did not return to BSA's post-WW2 range until 1949. First displayed at the Earls Court Show in 1948, the B32 Goldie boasted the telescopic front fork first introduced on BSAs larger models for 1946 and came equipped with a new alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. For 1950 a 500cc version – the B34 – was added to the range and this larger Goldie was the first to switch to the new die-cast top-end, with separate rocker box, in 1951. The 350 followed suit in 1952 and the pair continued as the 'BB' Gold Stars after the new swinging arm frame was introduced in 1953, changing to 'CB' designation for 1954. This change marked the introduction of the classic 'big fin' engine top end but the designation lasted only until the arrival of the 'DB' series in the autumn of 1955. The 'DB' incorporated a much improved lubrication system and, in the case of the 350 only, a stronger cylinder assembly; as such it represented the 'Junior' Goldie in its final form, there being no 350 equivalent of the final 'DBD' version.

This 350 Goldie comes with its original logbook listing only one owner, who is shown as the previous keeper on the old V5 on file. The machine retains its original engine ('DB32GS 1049') and comes with the factory's 'Certificate of Performance' for that engine. Other documentation includes a VMCC Works Records Extract, expired MoT (May 2013), and assorted technical literature. It should be noted that the frame number is listed as 'CB32 5638' in the original logbook. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the origin and correctness of this motorcycle's components prior to bidding.