During the 1930s its advertising slogan - ‘One in Four is a BSA’ - reflected the Birmingham-based company’s status as the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. In 1927 BSA had introduced the influential ‘Sloper’ - so called because its inclined cylinder - starting a trend that saw many of its rivals launch similar machines. Nevertheless, models with vertical cylinders continued to form part of BSA’s extensive range, outliving the Sloper when the fashion for inclined cylinders faded. The Depression of the early 1930s forced a cut back in the number of models, just ten being offered for 1932. Among these though, were three new 500s, one a sidevalve and two with overhead valves, all of which shared a common bottom end and the 85x88mm bore/stroke dimensions that would characterise all BSA’s 500cc singles, including the legendary Gold Star, right up to the beginning of the unitary construction era in the 1960s. All featured engines having vertical cylinders and magneto ignition carried in conventional cycle parts with rigid frames and girder front forks. BSA’s 500cc sidevalve was typed ‘W34-7’ for the 1934 season when this example was built. Original and unrestored, it was purchased by Professor Ehn’s father in 1972 and subsequently ridden by him. The machine is offered with technical data sheet and Austrian Einzelgenehmigung.
During the 1930s its advertising slogan - ‘One in Four is a BSA’ - reflected the Birmingham-based company’s status as the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. In 1927 BSA had introduced the influential ‘Sloper’ - so called because its inclined cylinder - starting a trend that saw many of its rivals launch similar machines. Nevertheless, models with vertical cylinders continued to form part of BSA’s extensive range, outliving the Sloper when the fashion for inclined cylinders faded. The Depression of the early 1930s forced a cut back in the number of models, just ten being offered for 1932. Among these though, were three new 500s, one a sidevalve and two with overhead valves, all of which shared a common bottom end and the 85x88mm bore/stroke dimensions that would characterise all BSA’s 500cc singles, including the legendary Gold Star, right up to the beginning of the unitary construction era in the 1960s. All featured engines having vertical cylinders and magneto ignition carried in conventional cycle parts with rigid frames and girder front forks. BSA’s 500cc sidevalve was typed ‘W34-7’ for the 1934 season when this example was built. Original and unrestored, it was purchased by Professor Ehn’s father in 1972 and subsequently ridden by him. The machine is offered with technical data sheet and Austrian Einzelgenehmigung.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
