1947 BSA A7 Long-Stroke Twin — Matching-Numbers XA7 280 — C$13,000

For the serious BSA collector or historian.

Offered here is an exceptionally early, first-year BSA A7 500cc vertical twin, carrying matching engine and frame number XA7 280. Since the 1947 numbering sequence began at XA7 101, this machine dates from the very beginning of A7 production and represents an important piece of postwar BSA history.

Introduced in September 1946 for the 1947 season, the 495cc long-stroke A7 was BSA’s first production parallel twin and its answer to Triumph’s influential Speed Twin. The original A7 combined a rigid frame, telescopic front forks, cast-iron top end and BSA’s unusual early engine-and-gearbox arrangement. It became the foundation of the A7/A10 family and the BSA twins that followed.

This particular motorcycle was discovered in an abandoned warehouse in Connecticut. When found, much of the engine’s internal assembly was missing, including the crankshaft, pistons, valves and valve guides. I undertook the considerable job of rebuilding it and bringing the machine back together.

The engine has run since the rebuild. However, it should presently be regarded as an almost-finished project requiring final commissioning, adjustment and sorting rather than as a fully road-ready motorcycle.

Among its most interesting features is the extremely rare early drop-down “pogo-stick” centre stand, a short-lived and rather notorious piece of BSA engineering. This unusual stand is an important surviving early-production detail, although it should be carefully inspected and treated as a historical curiosity before the motorcycle is put into regular road use.

Other highlights include:

• Matching engine and frame number XA7 280
• First-year, long-stroke 495cc A7 engine
• Rigid rear frame with telescopic front forks
• Rare early drop-down centre stand
• Correct period appearance with sprung saddle and chrome-and-red fuel tank
• Honest, age-appropriate patina rather than an over-restored finish
• Unusual American discovery history
• Rebuilt from a remarkably incomplete warehouse find
• An excellent candidate for final mechanical sorting, preservation or a historically sympathetic restoration

This may be one of the earliest surviving matching-number BSA A7 twins available outside a museum or established collection. It deserves to go to someone who understands what it is and will finish the job properly.

Price: C$13,000
Location: North Carolina, USA
I can assist with arranging transportation north of the Canadian border by prior agreement.

There is considerably more history and mechanical detail than can reasonably be included in a forum advertisement. A telephone conversation will fill in the story.

Contact Jock:

JockBrandis@gmail.com
1-910-352-7876

Telephone inquiries preferred