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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  Collectors’ Cars & Automobilia – Featuring the Ferguson Collection of Motorsport Posters
• Sale Date:
  10 Dec 2017 ~ 2.30pm
• Lot #:
  56
• Lot Description:
  1926 BSA 500CC Side-Valve Flat Tank 4.93 Hp Model S26
  Engine No: M5527
• Notes:
  The burgeoning industrial era of the late 19th and early 20th century was underpinned by the public’s new appetite for motorized transportation. Trailblazed by the motorised bicycle, eventually a huge range of motorcycle makes were fighting for market dominance. The advent of the Great War saw many of these makes fail and several excel. The mightiest success story was the Birmingham Small Arms Company(BSA). The highly productive era between the wars saw BSA ultimately the most successful British motorcycle manufacturer, with one in four bikes on the roads in the United Kingdom built in the Birmingham factory. The S26 model was a market leader up against comparative makes during the 1920s. BSA presented a choice of some 15 solo models from the 249cc side-valve single to the sensational 986cc Colonial V-twin. The most noted and trusty of these was the 493cc which retailed at the time for £45. The newly designed frame carried the striking ‘flat tank’ and side-valve motor with a lowered seating position and an improved front brake. Options included Lucas acetylene lamp or electric magdyno lighting set and a bulb horn available to order. The BSA 3-speed gearbox with the change lever mounted on the right-hand side of the flat fuel tank was super sporting and a silencer with the large tail pipe gave “a mellow note without loss of efficiency”. A detachable luggage rack on the rear mudguard gave additional commuter comforts. This fully optioned example was found by the current owner in the mid-north South Australia region after fossicking around farms and home sheds over time seeking out interesting bikes. It was comprehensively and sensitively restored about 30 years ago. This charming piece of motorcycling history is believed to be Australian delivered and boasts its original acetylene headlamp; Amac carburettor and period tank fittings including the combined priming and petrol tap and BSA type spring forks fitted with taper spring and shock absorbers. It operates with a “V type “ rim friction brake system. The clutch is contained in a large chain wheel with a floating dry plate described in early specification material as “indestructible”. This vintage motorcycle has a total loss oil system. It was in good running order when it was last started several years ago and has been kept in storage since. The fuel tank, although structurally sound, is crusty looking on the inside with rusty fuel deposits and varnish. It will need cleaning and or re sealing before use. With the passage of time it is likely that only a small number of this model have survived. With the strong and dedicated following that BSA attracts, a sound support network for owners from clubs and specialists around the world is available making this vintage BSA a viable and desirable acquisition. This motorcycle will be sold unregistered.
• Estimate:
  A$16,000 - 20,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.