The ex-Basil Keys, c.1932 Velocette 348cc KTT/KSS

Frame no. KT 1460 (see text) Engine no. KTT 308 (see text)

• Very sporty cammy Velo
• Built many years ago
• Crankcases 'KTT308' formed part of a machine supplied to Mitchells Huddersfield on 29th May 1931 "for Junior TT"

Alec Bennett's runaway win in the 7 lap 1926 Junior TT, when he fell off on the last lap and still won by over 10 minutes, is a testament to just how far ahead of the competition Veloce were with their new K model. This was the beginning of some very successful years. They moved into the Hall Green factory to cater for the increased demand. On the Island they were 2nd in 1927, 1st and 2nd in 1928, and 1st and 3rd in 1929. The KTT production racer, perhaps their most famous model, was launched at the 1928 Olympia show. For many decades afterwards clubmen used the superb mark one cammy Velocette with great success in their chosen branch of motorcycle sport.

Basil Keys, the previous owner of this machine, had an extraordinary motorcycling career including multiple successes at Brooklands, Gatwick Speed Trials, Brighton Speed Trials, and even a TT win. With his brother he went on to open a successful dealership in Worthing.

Since being sold in the 2018 Bonhams Autumn Stafford sale this very light ex Basil Keys Velocette has not been started and has been largely untouched. It is offered once again solely because of the vendor's urgent need of more space. The Velo's history while in Basil Keys' ownership is unknown. It was clearly built many years ago and is not road registered. Nothing is known of the specification or condition of the internal components of the engine or gearbox, but everything appears to go round. The constituent parts include a KTT crankcase no. KTT308, KSS barrel, head and cambox, circa 1932 frame (the "KT" prefix is almost impossible to decipher), the forks are Ariel, the 4 speed Velo gearbox is 1933-1935, the KTT mark IV style sub-frame rails are a bonus, reducing stress on the gearbox lug and adding rigidity, an Amal TT carburettor, and a BTH magneto which was kindly supplied by the Keys family following the previous sale (it was missing when sold in 2018). The oil tank still bears its now delightfully patinated Brighton and District Motorcycle Club badge.

The Mitchell brothers both competed in the 1931 Junior TT riding Velocette KTTs. According to the Velocette despatch records KTT307 and KTT308 were supplied to Mitchells Huddersfield on 29th May 1931 "for Junior TT", but it is not known which bike was ridden by which brother. A. G. Mitchell finished 7th and was the first Velocette home, whilst his brother Hirst retired on lap 4. One of those bikes (see photo) was fitted with the crankcase in this machine.

Following a lengthy period of inactivity re-commissioning will be required before further use. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition.