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Go Full James Bond With George Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III

Getting into the James Bond memorabilia game is an expensive business. With 007 movies still being made today and no visible end to the franchise in sight, buying a vehicle that is even remotely tied to that universe is difficult and notoriously pricey.
George Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction block 8 photos
Photo: Charterhouse Auction
George Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction blockGeorge Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction blockGeorge Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction blockGeorge Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction blockGeorge Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction blockGeorge Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction blockGeorge Lazenby’s 1969 BSA Rocket III hits the auction block
So here’s a good deal: a James Bond-worthy motorcycle. It’s not technically a James Bond vehicle since it was never shown in a 007 movie, but it’s linked to that universe because it was used for commuting to the studio where a 007 movie was shot.

We’ll explain in more detail: the 1969 BSA Rocket III bought new and used by George Lazenby has popped up for sale. Lazenby is the only non-European and the youngest actor to ever play the slick 007 spy, and also the only one to do it just once. He starred in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service as Bond, James Bond – his first acting role after a career in modeling.

In order to be able to commute to Pinewood Studios, where the movie was shot, the Australian bought the 750cc BSA bike, which was one of the first Rocket III models sold. He was an avid motorcyclist and presumably took good care of it during ownership, notes Charterhouse Auction, which has listed it from the current owner.

Once Lazenby sold the bike, it was lost until 2007, when the current owner bought it, having no idea of its 007-related past. He fully restored it and removed the sidecar that had been attached to it at some point in its dark history. Under his ownership, the engine and the gearbox were rebuilt, and the bike was repainted.

It is now listed as in great condition and could fetch between £25,000 and £30,000 ($30,900 and $37,000) when it goes on sale on May 6. It’s no small amount for a bike, but it’s a steal if you think of its connection to the James Bond universe. Sure, Lazenby’s 007 isn’t as popular as Sean Connery or Daniel Craig, but to purists, his one entrance in the James Bond hall of fame is a worthy one.

Due to the current international health crisis, the auction will take place online.
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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