Q7n from the forge in Small Heath

BSA's 500cc Q7 was among the finest models from Birmingham Small Arms around the mid-1930s. Together with models such as the Empire Star, Blue Star, B18 Light de Luxe, the v-twin Y13 and the Sporting Blue Star, they formed a solid range of models in various segments.

1936 is a landmark year in the factory's history. This was the year Val Page joined the group, and he left his clear mark on the model development from 1937.

The BSA Q7 496 was a typical 1930s motorcycle, with girder forks, a rigid frame, a single-cylinder OHV engine and a 4-speed gearbox. The gear on the tank and the same tire size front and rear were also typical of motorcycles from this period.

BSA's relatively wide range of models appealed to a wide range of buyers, some with a fat wallet and some with a slim one. We should also not forget that they knew the art of building sporty machines such as the DBD 34 Gold Star and the 650cc Lightning Clubman. Regardless, the solid everyday machines sold well, and by the beginning of the 1950s BSA was one of the world's largest manufacturers of motorcycles.