FIRST AMONG EQUALS

With regard to the correspondence about the BSA B40, I thought you may like a pic of mine. It’s not just any old B40 but one but the oldest survivors, being the 23rd off the production line back in 1960. Surprisingly enough, it’s retained its original engine and registration number. Factory production records (courtesy of the BSAOC) show it was in the first batch dispatched to dealers, and went to King and Harper of Cambridge on the 6th of November 1960, registered on the 30th December 1960.

Of the first 22, several were used for motorcycle shows and / or loaned out to the motorcycle press for testing and review, these being sold on later as secondhand. One each went to Hap Alzina and BSA Inc in the USA and two to Finlay Bros in Australia, which for some reason were fitted with C15T engines!

I have copies of the registration documents for the bike starting with the continuation buff logbook issued in 1977 and all the subsequent records which are no longer obtainable from DVLA. It is currently in a Vacbag awaiting the return of the sun!

Graham Jackson, member 299

Like so many middleweight machinery of the period, the B40s often feels a little neglected, whereas they can be good to ride. Interesting that you have so much history with your bike too!