1939

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  The last full model year before the war, with a line up of 20 models listed in the first edition of the catalogue. However, this is deceiving as many standard models were a left over from the 1938 production. The De Luxe models were the actual 1939 models which included upgraded engine specifications for the B and M group in respect of the timing side which included the support plate. In this year the C11 was introduced in the C group models. In the second edition of the catalogue a number of small changes is noticable following the start of the war in September 1939 (the invasion of Poland).
 

BSA 1939 models

Model

Description

Remarks
C10 Standard or 250 c.c. S.V. Introduced in the second half of 1939 as the cheaper alternative to the C10 de Luxe with hand change.black frame, matt silver petrol tank lined in red and black.
C10 de Luxe or 250c.c. S.V. This model is the sidevalve basic model with coil ignition, but this had the foot change gearbox.black frame, matt silver petrol tank lined in red and black.
C11 or 250 c.c. O.H.V. The basic OHV model with coil iginition.black frame, matt silver petrol tank lined in red and black.
B21 Standard or 250 c.c. O.H.V. This was the more conventional 250cc OHV model with hvandchange gearbox and a magdyno.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black, hand change gearbox.
B21 de Luxe or 250 c.c. O.H.V. The B21 with a different petrol tank and foot change gearbox.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black, foot change gearbox.
B23 Standard or 350 c.c. S.V. The basic model 350cc SV.black frame, matt silver petrol tank lined in red and black, hand change gearbox.
B23 de Luxe or 350 c.c. S.V. The B23 with a different oil tank, toolbox, petrol tank and foot change gearbox.black frame, matt silver petrol tank lined in red and black, foot change gearbox.
B24 Silver Star or 350 c.c. O.H.V. Silver Star. De 350cc fast OHV model with separate metal petrol tank badges (in some cases transfers).black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with the distinctive tank badges, foot change gearbox.
B24 Two Port or 350 c.c. O.H.V. Silver Star. The same model with two high level exhaust systems, which were in fashion at the time.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with the distinctive tank badges, foot change gearbox.
B25 or 350 c.c. O.H.V. Competition. The 350cc OHV competition model. It was derived of the B24 with some different cycle parts like narrow chrome plated front mudguard, chrome plated rear mudguard, smaller toolbox , 18" wheel at the rear and 21" at the front and a high level exhaust.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black, high level exhaust, foot change gearbox.
B26 or 350 c.c. O.H.V. The standard model 350 cc OHV.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black, foot change gearbox.
B26 Two Port or 350 c.c. O.H.V. The B26 with with two high level exhaust systems.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black, foot change gearbox.
M20 Standard or 500 c.c. S.V. The familiar 500cc SV model.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black, foot change gearbox.
M20 de Luxe or 500 c.c. S.V. The M20 with valanced mudguards, instrument panel in the petrol tank and fishtail exhaust.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel, valanced mudguards, fishtail exhaust, foot change gearbox.
M21 or 600 c.c. S.V. The M21 in the same livery as the M20 de Luxe.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel, valanced mudguards, fishtail exhaust, foot change gearbox.
M22 or 500 c.c. O.H.V. The basic model 500cc OHV.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel, 1938 type engine, fishtail exhaust, foot change gearbox.
M22 Two Port or 500 c.c. O.H.V. The M22 with two high level exhaust systems.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel, 1938 type engine, twin port high level exhaust system, foot change gearbox.
M23 Silver Star or 500 c.c. O.H.V. Silver Star The fast 500cc OHV model. it was the successor of the Empire Star.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel and the distinctive tank badges, foot change gearbox.
M23 Two Port or 500 c.c. O.H.V. Silver Star. The M23 with two high level exhaust systems.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel and the distinctive tank badges, twin port high level exhaust system, foot change gearbox.
M24 or 500 c.c. O.H.V. Gold Star. The ultimate pre war BSA designed as a race or competition bike. The 1939 version is the standard sports version without the race/competition options. Many improvements were made as opposed to the 1938 version like an improved pushrod tunnel, 4 hole oil pump cover, drive side support plate and many other small improvements.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel and the distinctive Gold Star tank badges, foot change gearbox.
G14 or 1000 c.c. S.V. Vee-Twin The trusty old SV V-twin, which still had total loss lubrication and hand change gearbox.black frame, chrome plated petrol tank with matt silver panels lined in red and black with instrument panel, hand change gearbox.

 

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