1961 BSA 499cc Gold Star Scrambler

1961 BSA 499cc Gold Star Scrambler
Registration no. 746 XUE
Frame no. CB32.10519
Engine no. DBD.34.GS.6128.
• Sold new via Fred Rist's shop
• Rebuilt during 2006/2007
• Not ridden on the road since completion
• Present ownership since 2013

This BSA Gold Star scrambler was dispatched from the BSA factory on 17th February 1961 and sold new by BSA works rider Fred Rist through his shop in Neath, Glamorgan. Fred Rist was an eminent scrambler both before and after WW2. By 1939 he was a sergeant in the British Army and rode for the Army team in that year's ISDT in Germany, getting home with the rest of the team just in time to avoid spending the war in an internment camp. Post-war he continued to be picked for the ISDT Trophy team and was captain on a factory Gold Star in 1950. He was also a member of BSA's Maudes Trophy team in 1952. Almost certainly he had retired from competition to concentrate on his motorcycle business by the time this Goldie scrambler was delivered.

No expense has been spared in restoring this machine, which was purchased in 2006, rebuilt during 2006/2007 and then registered for the road. Works carried out include rebuilds of the engine and original scrambles gearbox; blast-cleaning and power-coating the frame and cycle parts; and reconditioning the competition magneto. The fuel tank, mudguards, seat, oil tank, oil filter/housing, fork stanchions, wheel rims and many more minor components are new. A Newby belt primary drive and clutch is fitted in place of the original parts, while since completion the Amal GP carburettor has been replaced with a correct Monobloc.

Kept in a centrally heated environment since completion, the Goldie has been run to confirm all is well but has not been ridden on the road and so will require running in and further adjustments before returning to regular use. (It should be noted that the oil tap is linked to the ignition circuit and thus the engine will not start until it has been turned on). The current vendor purchased the Goldie at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in April 2013 (Lot 283).

This pristine Gold Star scrambler is offered with GSOC and VMCC dating letters, purchase receipt, an original maintenance manual, expired MoT (2008), V5C document, and sundry invoices from recognised marque specialists George Prew and Phil Pearson. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the origin and correctness of this motorcycle's components prior to bidding.