Beschreibung:

The 'street scrambler' had been part of BSA's line up since the 'pre-unit' days when the 'Spitfire' name was first applied to this United States-inspired model. When the concept was revived for the unitary construction range, the name 'Spitfire Hornet' was chosen for the new 650cc model, the 500cc version being called 'Wasp'. The 'Spitfire' part of the designation was soon dropped, being applied exclusively to the new sports roadster, while the 650cc street scrambler was re-christened 'Firebird' for 1968, by which time it had become a USA-only model. The Firebird continued as the street scrambler when the BSA range was updated with the new oil-containing frame for 1971. The most famous weekend warrior of the day was actor Steve McQueen who evaluated the Hornet as a desert racer for an article in the November 1966 issue of Popular Science. 'It's a keen bike' he wrote, although the Beezer did seem a little heavy compared to his preferred lightweight Rickman Triumph special. 'I always had to stay on top of it, but it sure had a good-functioning powertrain,' he added. This Hornet has West Coast TT pipes, increased oil tank capacity, a wider front rim and wider fender stays, oh! and West Coast-style bars. Still with street tires installed it seems unlikely it would have hit the dirt - at least not like this - and retained its front fender and tachometer. The number of TTs made is thought to be under 100. This one comes with its VMCC Extract from Works Records 'certification.'