I spoke to an ex employee of DC that said this Gold Head Dart was sold by many Model Stores and direct from Dav Cal and  including PK on the IOM, but later PK had their own unique specials delivered with Gold Heads and Black Crankcases.

Initially Dav Cal thought orders from PK for Specials would be large but I was told that 'in reality' the Black Crankcase version was often supplied to PK at only 10 at a time, infrequently. So, its safe to say the Black Crank Case Gold Head version is probably one of the rarest of all the Darts and Gold Darts.

These as listed  were produced towards the end of Davies Charlton/Dav Cal production and are highly desirable among collectors. The Gold Head can be very rich on some, looking like Bronze/ Gold. I think because Gold is a difficult metal to anodize correctly the 'rich' looking gold ones were dipped more.

The Gold Head / Black Crankases are very rare. This Gold Dav Cal Dart Special is seen more as more were made but they are still very rare compared to the Red Head. Production being a year and some months, where as the Red Head had been 3 decades and during the time when 100's of Darts a week were produced. The good old days!

The engine presents as possibly unused. There are no obvious signs of it having been mounted or run. It comes complete with the original accessories, including:

● Original late Dav Cal box
● Quick-start spring and cam
● Throttle needle
● Unused fuel tubing
● Original paperwork
● Throttle stop screw (removed and included in the parts bag)

Normally, the presence of these unused accessories would strongly suggest a new engine. I cannot guarantee it as I only know the history of the engine after I purchased it. Although unrun and presenting as possibly new. I am going to list as used as it has been 'messed with' 

Condition

The only defect point worth noting is the cylinder head. There is some light “hanger rash” and scratching to the original gold anodizing, mainly on the spanner flats. I’m confident this was caused by an ill-fitting adjustable spanner rather than use in service. It may simply have been removed by the original owner being inquisitive and unfortunately marked the engine being 'kack handed'.

The marks are more noticeable in the photographs than they are in person, and the engine still displays very well. If intended purely for display, a replacement gold head could be sourced, although I would personally keep it original. Maybe a gold marker pen would work well enough to take the eye off the scratches.

The compression is very strong also indicating how new the engine is or how little used it is. compression is something that is in the eye of the beholder. I would say this one is very strong. Others might say it’s very good others might say it’s just good. It has compression and would run. 

Free with this is the Brass Stand complete with fake gold bars. See pics

My opinion is a perfect unrun example would typically be worth around £85 to £125 or more. Taking the cosmetic marks into account, I believe £65 is a very fair valuation for this one. if you are wishing to use one this could be for you!

FYI - About the PK Specials

The Gold Head Dart was produced as a special edition for Performance Kits (PK), The PK Special Rare version had a Black Crank Case. The Balsa Kit Manufacturer was Isle of Man-based. Distributed to model shops and sold kits direct, but the Black / Gold Darts were only ever sold by PK.. These engines featured the distinctive Gold Anodised Head and with black crankcase. This Gold Dart is not the Black Gold Special. BUT it is the rarer Gold Head Late Dav Cal version.

They were among the last Davies Charlton specials produced before manufacture ceased.

FYI - The final PK specials also included the PK Merlin and PK Sabre, both finished with angular black-and-natural-metal crankcases. I am told also a Spitfire, but I have never seen a Spitfire. I do have PK Black & Gold Darts and PK Merlin's and Sabre's. Not for sale.

Will post all over the world will refund £5 to £10 from European orders regard postage from the World Wide postage shown.

Listing AI enhanced E&OE