A charming 1956 BSA Bantam, finished in the model’s distinctive Mist Green and offering all the simple, lightweight character for which these enduring British motorcycles are known. Compact, economical and instantly recognisable, the Bantam remains an appealing entry point into post-war British motorcycling.
The motorcycle is accompanied by a particularly useful collection of technical reference material. This includes a printed instruction manual together with clearly labelled diagrams covering the various components of the bike, including the engine and gearbox, hubs, fittings and other assemblies. An MOT history printout is also present, with the most recent recorded pass dating from 2013 at just 4,557 miles.
The accompanying paperwork reflects an enthusiastic interest in the Bantam marque and includes a 2022 edition of Bantam Banter, BSA Bantam Club booklets and flyers, and a Pitman’s “How-to-do-it” manual. There is also an extensive printed history of the BSA Bantam, detailing the development of the range and providing a useful rundown of its various models.
Introduced in the late 1940s, the BSA Bantam became one of Britain’s best-known lightweight motorcycles, built around a straightforward single-cylinder two-stroke engine and designed to provide economical everyday transport. By 1956 the range included both the established 123cc D1 and the larger 148cc D3 Major, with the latter benefiting from the introduction of swinging-arm rear suspension. Earlier Bantams were particularly associated with Mist Green paintwork and contrasting ivory fuel-tank panels, a combination that has become synonymous with the model.
With its period-correct character, attractive Mist Green finish and unusually comprehensive collection of Bantam-related literature and technical information, this 1956 example presents as an appealing proposition for the enthusiast. The inclusion of manuals, diagrams, club material and historical documentation adds further interest to what is already one of BSA’s most recognisable and approachable post-war motorcycles.
