c.1939 BSA 500cc M20/M24 Gold Star
Registration no. TSV 177
Frame no. KM24 198 (see text)
Engine no. KM24 198

On 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star ridden by the great Wal Handley lapped Brooklands at over 100mph on its way to a debut race victory and award of the 'Gold Star' that would give BSA's new super sports model its evocative name. Announced as part of the 1938 range, the M24 Gold Star differed from its Empire Star progenitor in several respects, most obviously by its alloy cylinder barrel and 'head, cast-in pushrod tunnel, Amal TT carburettor and Elektron gearbox casing. Despatch records show BSA built approximately 564 Gold Stars in 1938/39. The M24 did not re-emerge post-WW2 and today is the rarest of all Goldies. It is estimated that at least 120 survive.

Discovered in a dilapidated condition on a Sussex farm by the vendor in the early 1980s, the machine offered here consists of an ex-WD BSA M20 frame that has been re-stamped with an M24 Gold Star number. M20 frames look almost identical to M24 frames as they have no sidecar lugs, but the M24 frame is considerably lighter. It should also be noted that some of the parts used in the restoration come from other models, while some are modern reproductions. Since completion in 1984, 'TSV 177' has attended the 75th Anniversary Gold Star gathering at Brooklands in 2013 and several local shows in the Southeast of England. Accompanying documentation consists of an expired MoT certificate (1992) and old/current V5/V5C registration documents.