A 1969 BSA Rocket III, bought new by George Lazenby to commute to Pinewood Studios when filming the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, is being sold by Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne on Wednesday 6th May.
“Today the market for Bond films is bigger than ever, with many fans waiting patiently for the now postponed release of No Time To Die” commented Richard Bromell. “We all have our favourite Bond actor. Having watched from a young age, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is one on my favourites, although I do find it a bit of a tear jerker.”
George Lazenby was a model before taking the lead role as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service after Sean Connery gave up the role as Bond for the first time.
Living in an apartment in Bayswater, Lazenby bought the BSA Rocket III motorcycle to commute to Pinewood Studios for filming the new Bond film. Lazenby, a keen motorcyclist, bought the BSA 750cc motorcycle which was one of the very first new Rocket III’s sold.
Not much is known about the history of the BSA after George sold the bike until it was bought by the Charterhouse vendor 13 years ago, although at some point a sidecar was added. A collector of British motorcycles, the new owner purchased the Rocket III with a view to restoring it to its former glory.
The BSA underwent a full program of restoration. The motorcycle was subject to an engine and gearbox rebuild, new chrome, and a repaint. During the restoration the sidecar was discarded and it is now in great condition for the new owner.
Realising the BSA Rocket III was a particularly early model from its distinctive registration number POP 950G and the numbers stamped on the frame, the collector contacted the BSA Owners Club who found in their records George Lazenby was the very first owner.
Having enjoyed and restored this classic British bike for the past few years, the owner, who lives in Kent, is now selling his beloved BSA Rocket III to help fund the purchase of another property, and contacted George Beale at Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne who advised him it could sell for £25,000-30,000.
With the COVID-19 virus outbreak, this Charterhouse auction of nearly 100 classic and vintage motorcycles will be conducted live on the internet via www.charterhouse-bikes.com, along with telephone bidding and absentee commission bids. This will ensure no contact is made at the auction thereby taking the necessary steps to keep Charterhouse staff and their clients safe and to protect the NHS.
For successful purchasers, Charterhouse Auctioneers have instructed well respected and known specialist motorcycle movers Chas Mortimer Ltd. They will be arranging no contact deliveries to the successful purchasers under current Government guidelines or will store the bikes for national and international delivery in the future.
Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this classic motorcycle auction on Wednesday May 6th.
For further information regarding this specialist classic and vintage motorcycle auction contact Richard Bromell or George Beale at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 or email bikes@charterhouse-auction.com
Captions:
George Lazenby on his BSA Rocket III
BSA Rocket III registration number POP 950G in the Charterhouse auction of classic & vintage motorcycles £25,000-30,000
POP 950G when collected by the owner and before restoration with the sidecar