LOT 663
1933 Velocette 348cc KTT Mk IV Registration no. YS 3586 Frame no. KTL4299 Engine no. KTT493
Sold for £14,375 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 663
1933 Velocette 348cc KTT Mk IVRegistration no. YS 3586 Frame no. KTL4299 Engine no. KTT493
1933 Velocette 348cc KTT Mk IV
Registration no. YS 3586
Frame no. KTL4299
Engine no. KTT493
Registration no. YS 3586
Frame no. KTL4299
Engine no. KTT493
• Believed to be a 1933 TT machine
• Ridden by Charlie Redfearn
• Aluminium bronze cylinder head with hairpin springs
• Present ownership since 1962
• Ideal restoration project
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. Velocette factory records, kindly confirmed by the Velocette Owners Club, show that KTL4299 left the Velocette factory on 31st May 1933, and was sent to Cramers Garage in the Isle of Man for a Mr. C. Redfearn. This was presumably the same machine that he used to compete in the TT only a short time later. Charles Redfearn started both the Junior and Senior races on the Velocette but failed to finish either race. However, a contemporary account in Motor Cycling, 21st June 1933 (copy on file), gives an account of the Senior race and lists Redfearn as lying in 17th place after the first four laps; quite an achievement on a 350 in a 500 race against Works opposition!
The original engine fitted to this machine was KTT486, but it now has KTT493 installed, which has an aluminium bronze cylinder head with hairpin valve springs. Also apparent are the lower strengthening frame rails introduced as standard for the Mark IV. Four factory bikes were despatched for the 1933 event, along with several for customers to use at the TT, all appear to be within the period 27th May to 1st June 1933. 'YS 3586' is highly likely to be one of those machines depicted in a well-known photograph, waiting to be loaded onto a train at Velocette's own platform, for shipment to the 1933 TT. Less than 150 Mark IV KTTs were made before the change to the Mark V, and this is a great opportunity to acquire one in need of attention, and therefore less expensive than a restored example.
When KTL4299 was just over two years old, it was registered for the road on 31st August 1935, as evidenced by the duplicate RF60 buff logbook issued 8th September 1960. Its last change of keeper was to the deceased owner on 27th June 1962. It should be noted that the old buff log book incorrectly records the frame number as KTT4299, instead of KTL4299, and this typographical error has been carried over to the V5C. It has been stored in less-than-optimal conditions for many years, and now requires extensive re-commissioning or restoration, and is therefore sold strictly as viewed. We have no knowledge of the mechanical condition of the machine except that the engine does not turn. At some time, the petrol tank has been repainted and kept in better conditions than the rest of the bike. Documentation with this machine comprises the aforementioned duplicate RF60 log book, an old-style V5C, a 1961 letter from Bertie Goodman at Velocette, to the deceased owner, and sundry papers.
• Ridden by Charlie Redfearn
• Aluminium bronze cylinder head with hairpin springs
• Present ownership since 1962
• Ideal restoration project
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. Velocette factory records, kindly confirmed by the Velocette Owners Club, show that KTL4299 left the Velocette factory on 31st May 1933, and was sent to Cramers Garage in the Isle of Man for a Mr. C. Redfearn. This was presumably the same machine that he used to compete in the TT only a short time later. Charles Redfearn started both the Junior and Senior races on the Velocette but failed to finish either race. However, a contemporary account in Motor Cycling, 21st June 1933 (copy on file), gives an account of the Senior race and lists Redfearn as lying in 17th place after the first four laps; quite an achievement on a 350 in a 500 race against Works opposition!
The original engine fitted to this machine was KTT486, but it now has KTT493 installed, which has an aluminium bronze cylinder head with hairpin valve springs. Also apparent are the lower strengthening frame rails introduced as standard for the Mark IV. Four factory bikes were despatched for the 1933 event, along with several for customers to use at the TT, all appear to be within the period 27th May to 1st June 1933. 'YS 3586' is highly likely to be one of those machines depicted in a well-known photograph, waiting to be loaded onto a train at Velocette's own platform, for shipment to the 1933 TT. Less than 150 Mark IV KTTs were made before the change to the Mark V, and this is a great opportunity to acquire one in need of attention, and therefore less expensive than a restored example.
When KTL4299 was just over two years old, it was registered for the road on 31st August 1935, as evidenced by the duplicate RF60 buff logbook issued 8th September 1960. Its last change of keeper was to the deceased owner on 27th June 1962. It should be noted that the old buff log book incorrectly records the frame number as KTT4299, instead of KTL4299, and this typographical error has been carried over to the V5C. It has been stored in less-than-optimal conditions for many years, and now requires extensive re-commissioning or restoration, and is therefore sold strictly as viewed. We have no knowledge of the mechanical condition of the machine except that the engine does not turn. At some time, the petrol tank has been repainted and kept in better conditions than the rest of the bike. Documentation with this machine comprises the aforementioned duplicate RF60 log book, an old-style V5C, a 1961 letter from Bertie Goodman at Velocette, to the deceased owner, and sundry papers.
Saleroom notices
Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 663: click here
The landing: C. Redfearn (348 Velocette) nose dives to earth after a hair-raising jump at Ballig Bridge, one of the most thrilling spots on the T.T. course.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 2 July 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 3 July 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 4 July 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
