Lot 434: c.1965 BSA 343cc B40

Introduced in September 1958, the unit-construction C15 replaced the outgoing C12 and would provide the basis for an entire range of singles in capacities up to 500cc, the first new C15-based model to feature an enlarged engine being the 343cc B40, an addition to the line-up for 1961. The B40 remained in production until 1965, many seeing service with the British Armed Forces, which ordered 2,000 following an extended reliability test. A number of modifications were made to the military-specification B40 including a lower compression ratio of 5.0:1; Zenith carburettor; cut-down, moto-cross oil tank; external, cartridge-type oil filter; fork gaiters and fully-enclosed rear drive chain. Finished in Army Green and equipped with canvas panniers, this B40 has been on display as part of a private collection for many years and thus will require careful re-commissioning and the customary safety checks before returning to the road. The machine comes with Swansea V5 and is offered without reserve.