1937 Velocette 499cc MSS

Registration no. MMV 162 Frame no. C MS3616 Engine no. MSS1157

Velocette did not produce a conventional overhead valve engine until the introduction of the first of the M-series models, the MOV, in 1933. The second of the M-series, all of which featured the high camshaft layout, was the MAC, which arrived later in 1933. In 1935, in an attempt to capitalise on economic recovery, the 500 MSS was announced, hoping to catch the tide of optimism with increased power and performance. Success of the MSS was demonstrated by its long production run, which saw it through to the end of production in 1971. 'MMV 162' was purchased by the deceased owner from Brian Verrall in 1993 (copy invoice on file). A 1989 dating letter from Ivan Rhodes accompanied the machine and detailed an extract of the factory records which showed that the bike no longer had the original engine (MSS2457) fitted. MSS2380 appears to have been installed at that time, but when the last owner obtained it, the present engine (MSS1157) had replaced it. The same letter chronicled that it had originally been exported to Melbourne, Australia, returning in 1946 to be registered as 'MMV 162'. When acquired, the bike was MoT'd, and may have been used for a short period, but has been dry garage-stored and not used since approximately 1994. It will, therefore, need careful re-commissioning and safety checks prior to use on the road by a new owner. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, an original RF60 continuation buff log book dated 1953, an old MoT certificate, the aforementioned copy invoice and dating letter, plus sundry papers. The machine is presently on SORN.