1952 BSA Gold Star
THE 500 GOLDIE
On Wednesday 30 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 which would give BSAís new super sports model its evocative name. Possibly the most successful production-racing motorcycle ever, the post-war Gold Star formed the mainstay of clubmanís racing in the 1950s. In fact, it was the modelís domination of the Isle of Man Clubmanís TT which led to the event being dropped after Gold Star rider Bernard Coddís 1956 Senior/Junior double victory.

Bought in 1952 from an Ashburton dealer, this is a classic example of one of the great BSA designs. With correct number and in original form, this is a superior example of one of the great names of 20th-century motorcycle racing ñ the 500 Goldie.

Image and text courtesy Webbs Auction House NZ

BSA Gold Star