1968 BSA Spitfire Mark IV Hybrid Registration Number: AHJ 3...

Estimate

£4,000 - £4,500

1968 BSA Spitfire Mark IV Hybrid

Registration Number: AHJ 384E
Frame Number: A65SA 17873

Rare crossover Mark Mark IV Hybrid
Matching number engine / frame
Recommissioned at a cost exceeding £2,000

Announced in 1966, the "Mark" series of Spitfires, known for its sporting prowess as "The Bomb from Birmingham," became BSA's range topping model. Based on the twin-carb Lightning, the Spitfire received higher-compression pistons, a special cam and sporty Amal GP carburettors to give a claimed 53bhp from the 650cc twin. The fastest standard BSA produced to that date, the Spitfire hit 123 mph in period. Such was its prowess that the Spitfire model was pressed into service by traveling marshals at the 1967 Isle of Man TT races.

According to the accompanying BSAOC dating certificate, AHJ 384E was understood to have been dispatched from Birmingham in May 1967 as a Mark III model, destined for the US. However the Spitfire was later recalled and dispatched a year later in May 1968 as a full Mark IV model. Although the bike has a Mark III engine and frame number, this is a genuine factory Mark IV. The reason for this intriguing story is not fully known, conceivably BSA received a Government grant for every bike stated to have been sold to the US. Possibly the dock strikes in 1967 stalled exports, causing bikes to be returned to the factory and then respecified as 1968 models - the debate continues..

This highly original example was returned to the UK in May 2019, joining a small collection of British classic cars and bikes. The BSA appears never to have been restored, retaining its original bolts, mudguards, seat, and correct Borrani alloy wheels. Upon purchase our vendor returned the bike to full UK specification. The fibreglass US-market tank was replaced by a genuine new/old stock four-gallon home market unit, epoxy sealed to protect against ethanol fuel, and repainted along with side panels by Goldburn refinishers in the correct shade of red. New factory decals were lacquered into the finished panels. A pair of factory home market handlebars were sourced, the speedo and rev. counter were restored by Classic Speedometers, whilst retaining their patinated look and original mileage. A new horn/dipswitch was fitted, as were a new set of Avon Road Rider tyres, brass fuel taps, new speedo/rev counter rubber cups, all new cables, and LED bulbs. The cost of this recommissioning work was £2,292. 

Having been drained of fuel and stored in the last 4 years, the BSA may benefit from a minor amount of recommissioning before being used once more. This super well preserved and gently revived Spitfire is supplied with a current V5C, previous MoT certificates, original Instruction Manual, receipts to support the recent expenditure, import documentation, photographs when acquired and BSA Owners Club dating certificate.