c1958 BSA DB32 Goldstar 350cc Touring Motorcycle

Description

BSA's classic Gold Star family of 350cc and 500cc four-stroke singles, built from 1938 until 1963, are now regarded as being the Birmingham company's most successful motorcycle, recognised as one the fastest and best handling bikes of the era and a true purpose-built, hand-made racer. The original Gold Star was the M24 model, with an alloy 500cc engine, Electron alloy gearbox and lightweight frame that proved popular with racers in the pre-war period. BSA adopted the name in recognition of Wal Handley's victory at Brooklands in a 3-lap race, where any lap over 100 mph was rewarded with a ?Gold Star? pin and he handily exceeded this with a best of 107.5 mph. Post-war, BSA released a new model, the largely hand-made B32 of 1948 and each 350cc was engine was bench tested, with the dyno result sheet included with every motorcycle. Sold in several different variants, including touring, trials, scrambles and racing models, the B32 (and larger capacity B34 model that followed in 1949) underwent almost constant development throughout the 1950s, with notable improvements including a swingarm duplex frame in 1953, the optional CB engine (with extra cooling fins, stronger crankshaft, improved valve gear and an Amal GP carburettor) in 1954 and the DB model of 1955, with better front brakes and improved oil feed. The ultimate version of the Goldie was the DBD of 1956, which saw clip-on handlebars, an alloy finned engine, polished tank, swept-back exhaust and 36mm Amal carburettor push the top speed to 110 mph. Towards the end of production, BSA rationalised the Gold Star range to just two models, the Clubmans or Scrambler versions and these continued until 1963 when Lucas ceased making the magneto used on the bike, although an alternator version, the GB33, was also available. The DBD was only sold in larger 500cc form, with the 350cc DB32 making a return in 1959 although from 1960 it was only available to special order. The Gold Star proved hugely successful on the track, dominating the Isle of Man Clubmans TT from the inaugural event in 1949, along with a win at the Daytona 200-mile race in 1954 and many more in off-road events around the world, and survivors are coveted by collectors around the world today.