1961 Velocette 500cc Venom

Registration no. 380 MYD Frame no. RS-15911 Engine no. VM-4860

• Remarkably detailed recent history
• Evidence of enthusiastic care
• Boasting a Thruxton tank
• Matching numbers, on VOC Register

The Venom was the model that gave the Velocette company's road models a status other manufacturers could only covet. If the specification of a British single cylinder model with pushrod power unit seemed too humble to excite those looking for fine engineering and performance to match, its reputation as both a rapid tourer and a very successful racer in production machine events quickly dispelled such doubts. Success in the Thruxton 500 Mile endurance events and the remarkable 1961 capture of the World 500cc 24 Hour speed record by a team of riders with an average speed of 100.05 mph confirmed the model's standing. In 1967 the Production TT was revived in the Isle of Man and local man Neil Kelly rode an example of the Thruxton version to victory.

If the product of the Goodman family's careful output in the Hall Green, Birmingham, works was one to attract the attention and loyal support of enthusiasts with a respect for engineering, 380 MYD is evidence of the fact. It comes with a considerable file of purchase records back to 1999, all from recognised and respected specialists. Previous owner William Gibbeson fitted a Thruxton tank to give extra fuel capacity and the use of stainless steel throughout the motorcycle confirms its previous owners' determination to keep its proud appearance. It was bought by the vendor from M & S Motorcycles in Newcastle; the bill of sale is part of the file that adds to the history of a fine machine that deserved a knowledgeable owner.