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Sale Title:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
3-May-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
1937 Bsa 749CC Model Y13. Frame No. Tbc. Engine No. TY13 152. During the 1930s Bsa concentrated on producing an extensive and varied range of dependable, well-made and competitively priced motorcycles. The majority of these were singles, but for the sidecar market Bsa offered the Model G 985cc sidevalve v-twin and for the more sportingly inclined rider, a smaller overhead-valve v-twin, the 499cc Model J. Somewhat surprisingly, given its complexity, the newcomer had originally been developed for the War Office. Predictably, it was rejected by the latter, which tended to favour sidevalve singles for military use, and appeared for the first time in civilian guise in the 1934 range as the J34-11. Typed J35-12 the following year, it was joined by a 750cc version, the Y13, before ceasing production at the end of 1936 as the J12. Although the '500' had gone, the 750cc v-twin continued until the end of the 1938 season. Produced for only three years, the handsome Y13 is today one of the rarest and most highly sought after of all 1930s BSAs. This particular example is offered for sale having past through just three owners from new. Sold new by agents J.N. Taylor in Adelaide this is one of the rare examples of the Y13 to be offered with a red painted tank rather than the usual green that was the usual offering from Bsa. The first owner used the machine regularly for runs between Toowoomba and Brisbane. In the 1960s the machine was put in for repairs at Joe Costin's motorcycle workshops in Brisbane and was later purchased by Joe Costin. For approximately 35 years it rested under the floorboards of Mr Costin's workshops but was visible and thus he received many offers to purchase the machine. Mr Costin declined these offers the usual well founded answer being 'where will I find another one?' When he closed his workshop he moved his collection to his home and intended to restore the Y13 in his latter years. Unfortunately due to ill health Mr Costin was unable to finish the project but requested that the machine was purchased and completed by the current owner and friend who completed a thorough restoration of the machine. Unfortunately Mr Costin passed away before the project was finished but the vendor advises us that his advice and collection of genuine old stock parts were invaluable. Offered for sale for the first time on the open market, it is complete with its original tool kit. These machines have become increasingly popular with Bsa enthusiasts as the result of the last example we offered last November supports. A rare opportunity to purchase a 'Red Model' Bsa Y13 with impeccable provenance, a must have for the Bsa enthusiast.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cycles