'Velocette' 348cc 1937-Type KTT 'Works' Replica Racing Motorcycle

Frame no. 7TT40 Engine no. KTT 740

• Re-creation of a 'works' KTT racer
• Mark VIII KTT engine internals
• Ideal for parades, sprinting, and racing

Various incarnations of Velocette's KTT followed the model's introduction in 1928, and were later ascribed ascending 'Mark' numbers as they were changed and developed. Alongside these were the inevitable factory, or 'works' special versions with experimental features. As with most manufacturers, either with racing pedigrees, or aspirations to such, Velocette promoted their racing exploits with their own team of riders, and also by providing machines and/or factory-built and tuned engines to favoured promising, or established, riders. 'Works' bikes included a supercharged version, and, in 1936, a double overhead camshaft design. When the DOHC failed to produce the required power output, the works machines for 1937 reverted to single overhead cam layout, but with a large 10-inch cylinder head, and big-finned cylinder barrel. A similar layout, but with slightly smaller fins was later used for the Mk VIII.

The owner of this unique racing special was captivated by these 1937 works machines, and, as a genuine example would be unobtainable, or prohibitively expensive, he determined to build a replica which he could use for parades, sprints and hillclimbs. He was fortunate enough to have original Mk VIII engine internals and crankshaft which, with a new big end assembly, formed a basis for the engine, and he obtained new castings made from copies of the original factory drawings, with which to construct the motor. A replica frame with cast lugs was utilised, together with newly cast hubs, original gearbox, and other parts. Carburation is via an Amal TT carburettor, and ignition from a BTH magneto.

The work took approximately four years, and was completed in 2012. The vendor ran the machine for the first time at the Festival of 1000 bikes in 2013. He reports that it seemed to run well at that time. Since then, other matters have occupied his attention, and, with advancing age, he now feels that his creation should pass to another who can use the machine as he intended. Running on mineral oil, this racer provides a new owner with an excellent opportunity to run the machine in parades, for sprinting, hillclimbs, or racing. It will require safety checks and commissioning prior to use, and in particular, the gearchange needs adjustment, and some of the paintwork now ideally needs refinishing. It will undoubtedly provide endless talking points for Velocette enthusiasts everywhere. Documentation with this machine comprises the aforementioned copy factory drawings for the crankcases, cylinder head, and timing cases.