Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

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1950s BSA Bantam D1 / D3 / D5 Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The post-war BSA Bantam became Britain’s best-known lightweight two-stroke. The D1 (123 cc, 1948–63) launched the line; the D3 Bantam Major (148 cc, 1954–57) added capacity and updates; and the D5 Bantam Super (173 cc, 1958 only) is the rarest 1950s variant. Affordable, simple and frugal, they remain popular UK classics—projects are plentiful, tidy riders are sensible money, and exceptional/restored examples (especially D5) achieve the strongest prices.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and model)

Condition	D1 / D3 (1948–57)	D5 (1958, one-year)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; engine/gearbox and full cosmetic work likely needed.	£500 – £1,100	£900 – £1,700	Bonhams D1 projects/sold lots around £575–£750; H&H 1958 D5 “no reserve” project £1,462.
Roadworthy / Presentable Running, usable, largely original or older restoration; age-consistent wear.	£1,300 – £2,200	£1,800 – £2,600	Bonhams 1955 D1 sold £1,380; Iconic/Manor Park/Mathewsons typical Bantam riders £1,300–£2,100.
Restored / Excellent High-quality restoration or exceptional original; matching numbers; correct parts.	£2,500 – £3,400+	£3,000 – £3,400+	Bonhams 1953 D1 sold £3,450; H&H 1958 D5 (restored) sold £3,220.

Notes: Ranges reflect verified UK sales (auction/classified) with emphasis on the last 12–18 months where available. The D5 carries a modest rarity premium when in very good condition. Projects with poor or missing paperwork trend to the lower bounds; strong history files and correct parts lift values.

Value Influencing Factors

• Matching numbers & V5C: Correct frame/engine sequences and current registration add confidence and value.
• Originality & completeness: Correct tank, guards, exhaust (early D1 fishtail), lighting and leg-shields matter; missing hard-to-find items reduce prices.
• Restoration quality: Invoices/photos from known specialists command a premium over cosmetic-only refreshes.
• Model specifics: D5 (1958) is one-year only (173 cc) and typically sells above equivalent D1/D3 when condition is comparable.
• Market timing: Spring/summer bring stronger retail results; winter often softens rider/project pricing.

Conclusion

Across the UK market in 2025, usable 1950s Bantams (D1/D3) typically trade around £1,300–£2,200, with tidy restored examples at £2,500–£3,400+. The rarer D5 (1958) tracks slightly higher in comparable condition, with well-restored bikes commonly achieving around £3,000–£3,400+. Basket/project bikes are plentiful and sit roughly £500–£1,100 (D1/D3) and £900–£1,700 (D5) depending on completeness and paperwork.

Sources (non-link references): Bonhams Motorcycle Sales (e.g., 1955 D1 £1,380; 1953 D1 £3,450; multiple D1 projects £575–£750); H&H Classics (1958 D5 restored £3,220; 1958 D5 project £1,462); Iconic Auctioneers (Bantam riders/restorations incl. D7 examples circa £1.5k); Mathewsons (Bantam riders c. £1.2k–£2.1k). Classified context from Car & Classic asking prices used for cross-check.

All Valuations