Exported by BSA on 19 January 1955 to the order of BSA's importer and distributor for the West Coast, Hap Alzina, in Oakland, California. Alzina sponsored many professional riders during more than 50 years he was in business. As with BSA's US spec bikes, this one left the factory with the High Compression engine it still has. This engine is very rare in UK and we are reliably informed that the National Motorcycle Museum doesn't even have one of these! The bike has had a full nut and bolt restoration from the ground up however, as will be seen, the restoration has been carried out to look much as it appeared when reimported with its slightly 'Hot Rod' Californian flavour that may not be to everyone's liking, but the parts required to make it look UK spec, (that it never was) are in plentiful supply and easy to get hold of. The restoration has included powder coated frame, new rear hub, both wheels have new bearings, rims, spokes, the engine has been rebuilt from a reground crank upwards, including new valves, re-cut seats, new pistons, rings, bushes & seals. The magneto has been rebuilt, the carburettor is brand new, as are cables and brake shoes. No corners have been cut or expense spared in rebuilding this bike and it shows when ridden! All paperwork has been done, there is a V5 present and the bike has an age related number The bike is offered at its rock bottom price of £4,500.00
That is a cool bike and surely far too cheap? It looks like it belongs in a movie! You need to move your post into the ‘other bikes for sale’ section though to get any exposure on here. Give Mark Liggins a ring at SMC Classics in Sheffield, 0114 252 5454 and have a chat with him. He may take it off your hands for what it is worth!
This price is so ridiculously low that one cannot help being suspicious. Is it possible this is some kind of scam?
BSA A10's are probably the most affordable british classic bikes, albeit this one has been restored but not original a great looking bike which is not underpriced.
Good point. 1950's Triumphs and Nortons are more sought after than equivalent BSAs. Velocettes, Vincents and BSA singles even more so. So yes, affordable indeed.
No, Pete, not a scam. I have been bringing the asking price down over the last year. It started at £6,500 based on the rarity of the engine and the prices A10s were selling at (not their asking prices). I put it into an H&H auction at the National Motorcycle Museum last year, but I couldn't attend; it reached £5,500.00, but the reserve was higher, so they didn't sell it. The problem this bike has is that it will only appeal to non-purists, as such, a bit of a Marmite bike, many love the way it looks, the majority won't give it a second glance. Yes, missing the sale at the auction, has cost a grand..! So it looks a low price, despite everything, every nut, bolt, washer, bearing, being renewed and being oil tight, running beautifully, but sadly, it won't now sell for any more - the auction would have been a good price, but with fees etc, we'd be at about where we are today. I'll be delivering it on Wednesday to its new owner, if all goes well. Thanks for your interest
