11/24/20 Update: Three months later, this bike is now up on Iconic Motorbike Auctions with a significantly lower reserve! It’s currently at our hangar at Santa Monica Airport, feel free to come on by and check it out. Good luck, and find it here with bidding up to $2,400 and the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
Post Listing Update: This BSA did not get any action at the BIN of $11,500 on eBay.
1968 was the last year of the “Mark” Spitfires – at the end of the year BSA released the Rocket III and that took the place of top dog. 1,291 MKIV bikes were built, with another 478 bikes that were hybrids of the ’67 and ’68 models. Improvements over the MkIII included Amal Concentric carbs, a twin leading shoe front brake, and independently-adjustable Lucas ignition points.
The above changes plus some improvements to the lubrication system bumped power to 53 ponies, which yielded a top speed of approximately 115 miles per hour. For more information on the Spitfire model run, check out this Retrospective from Rider Magazine.
This example (VIN: A65SB8966) has been “restored to be ridden”, the seller says that it’s “not a concourse bike…but with only a little more work this bike would be winning award after award at your local and national bike show.” It’s sold on a bill of sale.
Find this Spitfire for sale in Malibu, California with a BIN of $11,500 or best offer here on eBay.