1954 BSA Golden Flash

Description

• Fully Restored
• An exceptional example
• Starts first kick
• From a large private collection

The BSA Golden Flash, commonly referred to as the Gold Flash, was a 646cc (39.4 cu in) air-cooled parallel twin motorcycle. It was designed by Bert Hopwood and produced by Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) at Small Heath, Birmingham.

The Golden Flash was the first model in the BSA A10 series. It was available in black and chrome; but it was the distinctive golden paint scheme that gave The Golden Flash its name. Production continued until 1963, when it was superseded by the BSA A65 Star.

Unfortunately, our vendor’s deteriorating health has led to his collection being reduced somewhat, this is the first of that collection to be listed and is arguably one of the best examples around, let alone, in his collection.

Originally purchased from another collector who had recommissioned the engine and running gear leaving an easy-ish project for our vendor who went to work finishing it off and creating this stunning example.

The Bike

Starting with the aesthetics you can see from the images why we have described it as a stunning example, but we will never let that stop us from describing how good this bike actually is.  Firstly, the paintwork, well there really is no other word to describe it other than perfect, well ok there probably is but we did not want any confusion here as it really is just that. Perfect!

Painted around a year or so ago, this BSA Golden Flash has not seen the road much since so is as immaculate now as it was when the work was carried out. In fact our vendor shared it was not that bad when he got it but it just was not to the standard he wanted.  Being a classic car upholsterer by trade his eye for detail can be found throughout the bike, there is literally only one point of the bike that he is not happy with, we will come back to that later, the rest, as we may have said earlier is perfect.

So, the paintwork literally is perfect, and the freshly painted black over chrome tank was made bespoke to replicate exactly that specific version of the Golden Flash. We believe it to be the best colour combination and that chrome just adds a touch of class to an already classy bike.  The original all black tank will come with the bike should you disagree with our opinion.

Moving on to the brightwork, the spoked wheels, although not purchased by our vendor, look spotless and to be honest look brand new, the hubs have been cleaned, powder coated and refitted with brand new nuts bolts and brake shoes.  The exhaust is again “as new” and is not a cheap aftermarket job, it is a brand-new replica that as well as looking fantastic sounds just as good.

The chrome chainguard was also supplied bespoke and made to the exact specifications as the original, the rest of the chrome is also in perfect condition.  The seat was re-upholstered by our vendor to the exact specification apart from waterproof leather being used, a good choice in our opinion.

Even the rubbers on the footrests and gear change are brand new, we are talking an aesthetically perfect restoration, except that one little niggling part that we promised to come back to.  Well, if you look closing the little clutch bar (near the kick start) is the only bit on the bike that could do with re-chroming, not bad for a bike that is now 68 years old.

As you can see, this really is a stunning looking bike but it does not just stop at the aesthetics, everything else has been done to make this a truly remarkable restoration.

Swinging your leg over the lovely seat and lowering on to the bike you immediately notice the seat springs are also new and do not give way, then you see the design of the original clocks and realise you are literally sitting on an iconic piece of British History.  Pull yourself away from that, if you can, and turn on the fuel, prime the carb and then flick out the kickstart, one kick and the dulcet notes of that 650cc twin are rumbling out of the exhaust.

All those raised eyebrows can just settle back down because there is a very good reason the bike starts first kick and it is predominantly due to the extensive engine rebuild our previous owner carried out plus the new Amal carburettor and electronic ignition that have been fitted. Very tasteful and clever upgrades.  The original carb will also be supplied and the ignition upgrade is suitably tucked away and cannot be seen so those visual cues are all still in place.

Our vendor has even replaced all the cables so everything is nice and smooth to operate, with two new tyres it really is ready to go.

What more can be said about this totally restored British classic? Not a lot other than someone is going to be extremely pleased to have the opportunity to win at auction, what is probably the best example of the BSA Golden Flash that is on the market today.  A true British Motorcycle legend in perfect condition….  Wow!

Vehicle Location:  Malvern, Worcs WR13  – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this BSA Golden Flash? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s are worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

We will always strive to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available. However, we can’t claim to be perfect. Your own analysis is very important and we are here to help and also answer any and all queries you may have prior to purchase.

We offer and positively encourage bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding.

If we do take a physical, as opposed to a remote, look at any of the vehicles on our platform, they are not those of a qualified vehicle inspector or other professional. Nor do they include a test drive unless expressly stated.

As with all vehicles of a certain age, localised paint repairs are common. This specifically applies with classics.

So, please, unless we state explicitly to the contrary, please assume that classic vehicles on our platform could have had remedial bodywork of any kind at some point in its life.

Two final comments on images and photos.

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