1959-BSA-Gold Star Clubman DBD34

Description

1959 BSA Gold Star Clubman DBD34s/n CB 32.3155, engine no. DBD 34 GS4032Light Grey Tank with Chrome Accents and Black Frame The Gold Star is a truly legendary British motorcycle, a true thoroughbred bike that appeared in 1938 after Wal Handley lapped the bumpy banked circuit at Brooklands on a modified BSA Empire Star at 107.57mph, a feat that earned a Brooklands Gold Star. The enthusiastic response to the achievement convinced BSA management that there was a market for a high performance production bike and the Gold Star was introduced with aluminum alloy cylinder and head, and Amal TT carburetor. The bikes earned a reputation for speed, and were exceptionally high performance bikes, especially for being 500cc singles. Even in the 1950s, they were among the fastest bikes available, and the bikes were extremely versatile, being successful as racers, cruisers, and even as scramblers (motocross to the younger whippersnappers out there). The bikes had great handling and were relatively light, taking a less is more approach to provide a good power to weight ratio and a level of nimbleness that was not always guaranteed in other bikes that were capable of “doing the ton” i.e. hitting 100mph. The final version of the Gold Star was the DBD34, introduced in 1956 and produced until 1963. Featuring an Amol GP carburetor, and a wide selection of available options, the bikes were the last of the fast, big singles and the end of an era. This particular bike is a 1959 model which is fitted with the optional full width 190mm front brake. It has been comprehensively restored to award-winning standards and was sold new in Oakland, California, imported by BSA distributor Harold “Hap” Alzina. The bike has been part of a significant collection of historic automobiles and motorcycles and was exhibited at the 2013 Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance, where it placed 3rd in Class. The bike is in superb cosmetic condition, with a correct and fresh but not over-restored presentation. The chrome is excellent overall with only light scratches and some marks on the muffler. The paintwork is in similarly nice condition. The trim and badges are excellent throughout, and the beautiful Smiths chronometric instruments are equally nice. The bike has a correct Lucas headlamp and Lucas tail lamp lens, both of which are in fine shape. The engine is clean, restored, and presented in keeping with how the bikes would have appeared original. The upholstery and grips are also in excellent shape save for some wear to the rubber on the kick start lever.This is a superb opportunity to acquire an award-winning example of one of the most legendary motorcycles of all time. The definitive café racer, the Gold Star represents the end of an era and they have always been in high demand. There is a strong club following for these bikes, and they also enjoy excellent parts availability, making this a great blue chip investment bike that can also be used. This particular example is beautifully and correctly presented, and is ready for its next enthusiastic keeper. It comes with service manual as well as display placard from when it was shown.