BSA A 65 L Lightning Thunderball 1966 International Motor Show photo press

Description

A stylish photo of the
famous 007 James Bond Thunderball BSA A 65 L Lightning
.
Watch the rocket throwers on the side of the fairing.
Definitely a James Bond bike…
In the 1965 James Bond movie “Thunderball” a BSA was used that was equipped by no less then four rocket throwers on its full fairing, besides having a couple of other special goodies build on it.
In the actual movie, the B.S.A.’s rockets were fired in order to kill Spectre Agent, Count Lippy.
The Thunderball B.S.A. was quite an interesting looking motorcycle .
Even though it is believed that B.S.A. themselves converted the A65L Lightning to Bond specifications, this is not true.
The fairing with the rocket launchers were built on the bike by the Pinewood Studios special effects department.
The rockets were real.
Twin Bowden cables that released pull-out pins, which are usually found on hand grenades, triggered them.
Most riding shots in the movie were made on the circuit of Silverstone.
Originally however these shoots were planned on the M2 Motorway in
England
, but rain and even snow prevented the shoot from actually taking place.
At Silverstone the crew had to wait for days for the weather to improve.
Stuntman Johnny Walker rode the bike in most of the scenes.
In the movie he also drove a lookalike B.S.A. mock-up in a lake, making an end to the B.S.A.’s performance in Thunderball.
It is often believed that sidecar racing ace and B.S.A. specialist Chris Vincent performed the stunts.
This is not true.
Vincent was seen in some publicity shots and he fired the rockets once down a quiet country lane.
More then one B.S.A. was build and used for Thunderball.
Most of them, however, were A10 mock-ups, and some of them did not even run.
The one that is seen riding in most of the movie is the machine on the photograph.
When the movie was released the B.S.A. went on tour through cinema’s around the world, including the
U.S.
It drew crowds of movie and motorcycle enthusiasts all over the world, and rightly so.
After the movie the B.S.A. was put to rest at the Pinewood Film Studio’s for years while 007’s Aston Martin DB5 on the other hand was auctioned off by Christies.
This is your rare chance to own this
non period
image, that reflects the glorious James Bond atmosphere in a great way, as well as forms a nice piece of B.S.A. history! Thunderball was one of the best 007 James Bond movies ever. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 9" (20 x 24 cm).
We have more photos listed on Ebay, also motorcycle (racing) photos! Check them out and use the shipping discount! You can always contact us for any requests.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.