1937 BSA SCOUT SERIES 4 TOURER 100 PHOTOS AND FULL DETAILED DESCRIPTION BELOW!!! Description FINANCING AVAILABLE!CALL ME AT 941-286-0889 TO PRE-QUALIFY!WANT A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE WORLDWIDE?CALL ME AT 941-286-0889 Condition I will start this listing with the copy from an article about THIS EXACT CAR that appeared in the April 2014 edition of HEMMINGS SPORT & EXOTIC MAGAZINE. I feel it best educates and captures the overall history and uniqueness of the car better than I could, and I will follow with my usual condition report and disclosures: IN 1937, DECADES BEFORE FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE BECAME POPULAR, BSA PRODUCED A STYLISH TOURER FOR FOUR CALLED THE SCOUT By Richard Lentinello from the April 2014 issue of Hemmings Sport & Exotic What do BMW, BSA, Honda, Maserati, Suzuki and Triumph have in common? Each company has produced both automobiles and motorcycles. Yes, that’s right, BSA too. Fourteen years before the Triumph Cycle Co. branched out and started producing automobiles, the Birmingham Small Arms company–better known as BSA–already had its automotive factory up and running. Oddly enough, after 1912, both BSA and Triumph were based in Coventry, competing head-to-head mainly in the motorcycle market, and then, soon, the automobile market. During BSA’s manufacture of small open touring cars, which began in 1907 and ended in 1939, its production totaled several thousand, which made it a legitimate auto manufacturer and not just a flash-in-the-pan boutique builder. Unfortunately, few enthusiasts would know that today, due primarily to the simple fact that few BSA cars have survived. Marketed under the name BSA Cycles Ltd., its first prototype automobile was quite a hit, which led to the production of some 150 cars for the 1908-’09 model years. By 1910, there were five different models being offered, yet it wasn’t until the introduction of its small 10 HP sports car in 1922 that the public really started to take notice. The success of the 10 HP, with its 1,080-cc two-cylinder engine, soon led to BSA’s best known car of all, the Scout. Introduced in 1935, the Scout was a sporty and stylish car that was unique in the fact that it had a front-wheel-drive layout. The engine and gearbox were compact in size, with the fairly large cast transmission case positioned ahead of the engine. At first, the four-cylinder, sidevalve engine displaced 1,075 cc, then after the 1937 model year it was enlarged to 1,203 cc. Then BSA’s car production ended in 1939, its board of directors deciding to concentrate on motorcycles instead. Seeing how stylish and well made the Scout was, one can only speculate just how appealing future BSA sports cars might have been. During the four years that the Scout was in production, it was initially offered in several different body styles. However, beginning with the 1937 models, the lineup was reduced to just three distinct models: a two-seat coupe, an open two-seater and a four-seat tourer, like our feature car. Due to its rarity and connection to BSA motorcycles, this particular example is immensely popular amongst old-car enthusiasts in South Florida, where it has resided since 2000 with its fervent owners, George and Margo Rapp. This particular four-seat Scout tourer is a 1937 model that’s powered by BSA’s later 1,203-cc flathead four-cylinder, water-cooled engine. With its block and cylinder head made of cast iron, the crankshaft runs in three main bearings, and is fed fuel via a single SU carburetor that’s mounted on a siamesed cast-iron intake manifold. It produces 32 hp in the U.S. rating system, but when rated by the British taxation system, just 10 hp. A points-style ignition system with coil was standard; however, for the sake of better charging, a modern Lucas alternator has replaced the old generator. The helical, constant-mesh gears of the manual gearbox-differential unit are housed in a cast-iron case that’s mounted at the front of the compact engine, which then transmits its power to the front wheels via short, separate axles. Each axle features a single, enclosed universal joint along with a flexible rag-joint made up of a stiff fabric. Inside the case reside three forward gears and a reverse gear, and the bolt-on starter motor features an integrated mount that is part of the gearbox casting. Perhaps the gearbox’s most unusual feature is its clutch assembly, which is made up of five separate aluminum plates. Two of the plates feature 26 round, quarter-size slices of compressed cork each, and they’re kept lubricated by an oil reservoir. The gears are shifted by a distinctive-looking “pistol grip” shifter with a small, round black knob mounted under the center of the instrument panel. Right above it resides a small brass plaque that shows the gearbox’s “push-pull” shift pattern. As expected of its front-wheel-drive arrangement, the front suspension is independent, employing four-leaf quarter-elliptic springs. There are no brakes at the front hubs, but a single brake that is part of the differential. There are brakes at each wheel in the rear that are operated via a mechanical rod, and the beam-style rear axle is held in position by a set of half-elliptical springs on each side. Construction of the chassis consists of a standard layout of two main longitudinal steel channels and a couple of crossmembers. The all-aluminum body features mainly flat-shaped panels that are fastened to an inner body frame made of ash. The front fenders incorporate a very stylish shape that flows into a short running board, and there are trafficators located on each side of the scuttle, just below the frame of the fold-down windshield. Of the approximately 3,000 front-wheel-drive Scouts that were produced, this is car number 743, a Series 4 model. Owner George had traded an early but totaled Lotus Elite for it, then embarked on a multi-year restoration in order to get it back on the road so he and Margo can enjoy driving it in the warm Florida sunshine. So with the help of specialist Francis Warwick, who runs a shop called Automotive Archeologist in nearby West Palm Beach, it took the better part of a few years to get the BSA back in running condition, with everything either rebuilt or restored to original factory specs. Due to years of neglect, the gas tank had to be replaced, along with the wiring harness and the entire exhaust system. New running boards had to be fabricated, and so, too, the body’s rearmost panel. The hardest parts to source were a few of the missing instruments and some minor engine bits; however, a trip to the Beaulieu Autojumble in England netted George the parts that he needed. Lots of research was required in order to ensure everything was built and/or rebuilt as per the original methods, and this included using factory drawings that were made available via the BSA Driver’s Club in order to construct what was needed accurately and to factory-correct specifications. “My wife and I love prewar English cars, especially those of the 1930s, and their right-hand-drive layout,” George said. “Owning this BSA is an ongoing restoration that still continues, but it’s certainly well worth it. I do all of the normal maintenance, but any major repair is done by Francis–although I recently replaced the cylinder head gasket myself, which was quite easy.” As to how the Scout drives, George told us: “Being low to the ground, it feels like you are going faster than you actually are. You have to constantly be aware of the braking conditions because of the mechanical brakes. They do not pull, fade or bind, but being mechanical they are slow to respond. It handles and corners well, and has a turning radius of about 20 feet, but because the wire wheels need to be trued, top speed is kept to around 35 MPH for now. But when shifting, which is really smooth, you must be careful because it is not a synchromesh gearbox.” When the BSA Scout was new, it sold for approximately £170, making it very affordable for Britain’s enthusiastic and loyal car-buying public. Yet, today there are only about 200 Scouts known to exist worldwide. “As far as we know, there are just three BSA Scouts here in the U.S.,” George told us. “And we are very proud that one of them is ours.” Specifications Engine Type: Inline sidevalve four, cast-iron block and head Displacement: 1,203 cc (73.5-cu.in.) Bore x stroke: 63.5 x 95 mm Compression ratio: 6.5:1 Fuel delivery: Single SU carburetor Horsepower @ RPM: 32 @ 4,250 Torque: @ RPM N/A Transaxle Type: Three-speed manual, double helical constant-mesh gears Ratios: 1st: 16.8:1 2nd: 7.75:1 3rd: 5.36:1 Reverse: 20.7:1 Suspension Front: Quarter-elliptical springs Rear: Rigid axle, semi-elliptical springs Brakes Type: Mechanical, differential and rear-wheel drums Weights and Measures Wheelbase: 95.5 inches Overall length: 140.6 inches Overall width: 57.5 inches Overall height 47.5 inches Curb weight: N/A Performance 0-50 MPH: 24.4 seconds Top speed: 65 MPH Base price: £176 ($1,051) Production: 3,000 **********END OF HEMMINGS ARTICLE************* We acquired this car directly from the “George” mentioned in the article, and along with it comes a seemingly endless array of extras and items he has amassed over the years. Some of these items are as follows: WICKER STORAGE BASKET 1937 FLORIDA LICENSE TAG ORIGINAL BSA SCOUT OWNERS MANUAL ASSORTED SMALL PARTS FULL SET OF TOOLS AS SHOWN IN PHOTOS ORIGINAL HAND CRANK HANDLE SET OF GASKETS HEADLAMP BUCKET AND TRIM RINGS TWO REPLACEMENT BULBS SPARE ENGINE BLOCK (UNRESTORED) TWO GEAR BOXES (UNRESTORED) WHEEL HUB (UNRESTORED) SET OF “FRONT WHEELS” THE BSA CLUB MAGAZINE ONE COPY OF THE HEMMINGS ISSUE THE CAR IS FEATURED IN These items will be available when the car is picked up, but you need to let your transport company know about them if you are obtaining a shipping quote, as most will NOT take extra parts unless they are in the car. These items cannot all fit in the car. The overall condition is very good, and the car presents quite well inside and out. It does show some small stone chips and marks as disclosed in the photos, but nothing that would constitute damage. Paint is glossy and does not appear chalky or dull. The interior is very clean, and very basic, and the gauges and steering wheel show patina and age as shown in the photos, but are original to the car. Top is a professional canvas reproduction of the original and shows wonderfully, with only a few small smudges and no rips or tears. It starts, runs, and performs as it should, and it feels quite solid and sure when motoring in it. Top speed is unremarkable in a day of 200mph speedometers, but it can certainly maintain itself in local and back road traffic. It is NOT an interstate flyer though. This is an opportunity to own one of the rarest vehicles in the world, and would be the perfect addition to any BSA motorcycle collection or British Car Enthusiast stable. You are encouraged to fly in for a private showing of the car, and I am happy to take video if you call me at 941-286-0889 to discuss it. It has a clean and clear Florida title, and is ready for sale Worldwide. Odometer has been reset at last service and the title and true mileage is EXEMPT.That’s about all I can tell you, but I encourage questions and addition photo requests if it helps you make a decision. READ THE AD COMPLETELY. LOOK AT ALL OF THE EXTRA LARGE PHOTOS PROVIDED. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET - NO DISAPPOINTMENTS. I took photos of it from every angle I could, and I encourage you to ask questions, come see it, or arrange for an inspection PRIOR TO BUYING IT. I don't have anything to hide, and have tried to cover every part of the vehicle as best I could. It has a clean and clear title, and is ready for a new owner. The vehicle is located in our Fort Myers, FL warehouse, and is just 15 minutes away from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) if you want to fly in and see it. I welcome outside inspection services BEFORE YOU BUY OR BID.PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE DID NOT BUILD THIS CAR, AND ARE PROVIDING THE INFORMATION YOU SEE ABOUT PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS BASED UPON 3RD PARTY INFORMATION, INSPECTION, AND DOCUMENTS PROVIDED. We are NOT a tuning or custom shop, and have NOT opened up the engine, dyno tested it ourselves, or purchased any of the items installed on it. ***IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH WORLDWIDE VEHICLE SHIPPING- CALL ME! ***IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH QUICK AND EASY FINANCING- CALL ME! ***IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN EXPORTING IT OVERSEAS-CALL ME! Terms of Sale ALL SALES, RETAIL OR WHOLESALE, ARE SUBJECT TO A $189 DEALER DOCUMENTARY FEE. THIS FEE IS BEING DISCLOSED PER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW. PLEASE BID ACCORDINGLY, AS THIS $189 WILL BE CHARGED OVER AND ABOVE YOUR WINNING BID AMOUNT. PLEASE be prepared to pay the initial NON REFUNDABLE $250.00 deposit via PAYPAL within 24 hours of winning the auction, and pay the balance in full within 7 days of auction end date. The ONLY acceptable forms of payment are: *CASH IN PERSON *BANK WIRE TRANSFER (BANK WIRE IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE OPTION FOR SALES OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES) *BANK DRAFT/CASHIER CHECK *JJBEST BANK OR LIGHTSTREAM LOAN The vehicle and title will NOT leave our possession until any check/draft/loan has been verified and cleared OUR account. WINNING BIDDER WILL GET A BILL OF SALE AND CLEAN AND CLEAR TITLE, AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING SALES TAX, TITLE, REGISTRATION, ETC. IN THEIR HOME STATE, WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION: WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT TAX, TAG, TITLE FEES ON VEHICLES BEING TITLED AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA! LICENSED MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS IN ALL STATES CAN PURCHASE ON A WHOLESALE ORDER WITH A VALID DEALER LICENSE AND TAX I.D. CERTIFICATE Disclaimer THIS VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR RETAIL SALE AT OUR FORT MYERS, FL LOCATION, AND I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO END THE AUCTION AT ANY TIME SHOULD THE VEHICLE BE SOLD. THE VEHICLE IS SOLD IN AS-IS / WHERE-IS CONDITION WITH FULL RIGHT TO INSPECT PRIOR TO BIDDING ON THE AUCTION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DESCRIBED TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, HONESTLY, AND OBJECTIVELY. INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE LISTING IS CULLED FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: VISUAL INSPECTION, PRIVATE PARTY INSPECTION, RECEIPTS OR RECORDS INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE, INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE PRIOR OWNER, AND PERSONAL DRIVE TIME WITH THE VEHICLE. IF GEAR RATIOS, ENGINE INTERNAL SPECIFICS, TRANSMISSION INTERNAL SPECIFICS, AND ANY OTHER DETAILS THAT ARE NOT APPARENT IN THE PHOTOS SHOWN ARE LISTED, THAT IS BASED ON THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY PRIOR OWNER, AS WE DO NOT BREAK OPEN ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS, REAR ENDS, ETC., SO WE ARE SIMPLY OFFERING IT TO YOU IN THE SAME GOOD FAITH THAT IT WAS OFFERED TO US. WHEN IN DOUBT, COME HERE AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF, OR HIRE AN INSPECTION SERVICE. MILEAGE STATED IN LISTING IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF THE LISTING, BUT CAN INCREASE DUE TO TEST DRIVES, TAKING THE VEHICLES TO CAR SHOWS, AND MOVING THEM BETWEEN OUR WAREHOUSES. MILEAGE WILL NO EXCEED THE AMOUNT STATED BY MORE THAN 400 MILES. IF A VEHICLE WAS A TRADE-IN AT OUR DEALERSHIP AND HAD A LOAN/LEASE PAYOFF, THERE MAY BE A TITLE DELAY AS THE TITLE COULD BE IN TRANSIT FROM THE LENDER. WE AGREE TO SUPPLY CLEAN, CLEAR, AND VALID TITLE TO THE VEHICLE WITHIN 25 DAYS OF YOUR PURCHASE. PURCHASER AGREE'S THAT ANY AN ALL ARBITRATION, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OR UNRESOLVED COMPLAINTS SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE, THIS AUCTION, OR OUR DEALERSHIP, WILL BE PURSUED THROUGH LEE COUNTY, FL SMALL CLAIMS COURT AND NO OTHER STATE, COUNTY, MUNICIPALITY, OR FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM. About the Seller Based in Fort Myers, FL, I have been buying and selling Specialty cars and trucks, as well as Harley-Davidson motorcycles, since 2005 J.J. ARMSTRONG941-286-0889 100 PHOTOS BELOW! SCROLL DOWN AND ALLOW TIME TO LOAD! |