While launching their first motorcycle in 1910, BSA by the 1930s was the world’s leader both in sales and greatest range of machines offered. The 1939 line-up included 17 models, among them the M23 Silver Star, a faster upgrading of the previous Empire Star and produced as both 350-cc and 500-cc versions. In that same year BSA built a very few “hairpin valve spring” Silver Stars before the war halted production of these sport bikes. The military took precedence and thousands of the more mundane but stout 500-cc side-valve M20’s went into “uniform.”

By way of the letter W appearing in the serial number, it indicates this particular machine rolled out of the Birmingham Small Arms plant in 1939. Very few Silver Stars existed since BSA had switched over to war production early in 1940, the factory suffering its most extensive destruction during November bombing raids.

This 500-cc, four-speed example originally from the Baker Collection shows an earlier quality restoration with its odometer reading of 119 miles. Attired smartly in black and silver and equipped with a solo and pillion saddle, it is eminently ready to step back into action as one of the rarer pre-war “blazin’ Beezers.”