LOT 123
1967 Velocette 499cc Thruxton Frame no. RS19427 Engine no. VMT 621
Estimate: US$25,000 - US$35,000
Lot 123
1967 Velocette 499cc Thruxton Frame no. RS19427 Engine no. VMT 621
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1967 Velocette 499cc Thruxton
Frame no. RS19427
Engine no. VMT 621
Frame no. RS19427
Engine no. VMT 621
• Extensive restoration
• Landmark model
As a family owned motorcycle manufacturer for nearly three quarters of a century, Velocette had a lot to be proud of. Starting out as one of the pioneer manufacturers, mating a Belgium-made Kelecom engine to their chassis under the Veloce name, the company progressed through the decades producing innovative and well-made motorcycles. The brightest engineers in the industry passed through their works over the years, contributing to their world renowned reputation. As a small company, they took on the big guns of motorcycle racing, often winning over those odds. However in the late 1960's and early 1970's, much of England's once mighty motorcycle industry was on the ropes with many casualties. Velocette was also lost to the world in 1971, but not before providing one last outstanding thoroughbred motorcycle to the world of classic machines.
The final evolution of the Velocette motor came in the M-series, with a 500cc MSS in 1954. The MSS was a newly designed single cylinder motor using pushrods for overhead valve actuation. The series also included a 250cc and a 350cc variant that were already in production. The new road bike was housed in Velocette's spring frame, an innovation that was the first swingarm suspension with hydraulic rear dampers in the industry. Another first were the adjustable rear shocks. This reliable and roadworthy motorcycle was soon joined by a sporting version named the Venom in 1956, probably as a response to the BSA Goldstar which was mopping up the clubman races across the UK. The engine featured a high camshaft with short duralumin pushrods, enclosed valve gear and hairpin springs, a Wellworthy Al-Fin cylinder and light alloy cylinder head and Timken tapered roller main bearings on the pressed together crankshaft. The Venom engine produced 36 bhp with 102 mph top speed, close to the fabulous Goldstar. The last configuration came in 1964 with the Venom Thruxton, or just Thruxton as most enthusiasts refer to the bike. Named for the Thruxton 500 mile race win, this performance version of the Venom came with Clubman goodies such as rear set foot controls, clip on handle bars, alloy wheel rims and twin leading shoe front brakes. The specially tuned head had different valves while the engine featured short one piece pushrods and an Amal GP carburetor. The carb was secured to an extended intake manifold that required a distinctive cutout in the rear of the gas tank.
The bike went through a meticulous of restoration and the vendor advises us that it is in great condition. An extensive folder of documents and invoices related to the restoration of the bikes is offered with the machine.
• Landmark model
As a family owned motorcycle manufacturer for nearly three quarters of a century, Velocette had a lot to be proud of. Starting out as one of the pioneer manufacturers, mating a Belgium-made Kelecom engine to their chassis under the Veloce name, the company progressed through the decades producing innovative and well-made motorcycles. The brightest engineers in the industry passed through their works over the years, contributing to their world renowned reputation. As a small company, they took on the big guns of motorcycle racing, often winning over those odds. However in the late 1960's and early 1970's, much of England's once mighty motorcycle industry was on the ropes with many casualties. Velocette was also lost to the world in 1971, but not before providing one last outstanding thoroughbred motorcycle to the world of classic machines.
The final evolution of the Velocette motor came in the M-series, with a 500cc MSS in 1954. The MSS was a newly designed single cylinder motor using pushrods for overhead valve actuation. The series also included a 250cc and a 350cc variant that were already in production. The new road bike was housed in Velocette's spring frame, an innovation that was the first swingarm suspension with hydraulic rear dampers in the industry. Another first were the adjustable rear shocks. This reliable and roadworthy motorcycle was soon joined by a sporting version named the Venom in 1956, probably as a response to the BSA Goldstar which was mopping up the clubman races across the UK. The engine featured a high camshaft with short duralumin pushrods, enclosed valve gear and hairpin springs, a Wellworthy Al-Fin cylinder and light alloy cylinder head and Timken tapered roller main bearings on the pressed together crankshaft. The Venom engine produced 36 bhp with 102 mph top speed, close to the fabulous Goldstar. The last configuration came in 1964 with the Venom Thruxton, or just Thruxton as most enthusiasts refer to the bike. Named for the Thruxton 500 mile race win, this performance version of the Venom came with Clubman goodies such as rear set foot controls, clip on handle bars, alloy wheel rims and twin leading shoe front brakes. The specially tuned head had different valves while the engine featured short one piece pushrods and an Amal GP carburetor. The carb was secured to an extended intake manifold that required a distinctive cutout in the rear of the gas tank.
The bike went through a meticulous of restoration and the vendor advises us that it is in great condition. An extensive folder of documents and invoices related to the restoration of the bikes is offered with the machine.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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