Skip to main content

LOT 7

1956 Velocette 350cc Viper Registration no. 718 BHN Frame no. RS8617 Engine no. VR1258

Sold for £3,680 inc. premium
Lot 7

1956 Velocette 350cc Viper
Registration no. 718 BHN Frame no. RS8617 Engine no. VR1258

1956 Velocette 350cc Viper
Registration no. 718 BHN
Frame no. RS8617
Engine no. VR1258

"One's outstanding impression is of the exceptional flexibility and smoothness of the engine – it seems almost incredible that so much docile punch should be the product of no more than one cylinder and an 8.5:1 compression ratio," enthused Motor Cycling about its test Viper, summarising characteristics that will be familiar to anyone who has ever ridden one of Hall Green's delightful high-camshaft singles. Engine development pursued as part of the scrambles programme bore fruit in 1956 in the shape of the high-performance 500cc Venom and its 350cc sibling, the Viper. The MSS frame and forks were retained for the newcomers, but full-width alloy hubs were adopted to boost braking power and smart chromed mudguards fitted to enhance the models' sporting image. The Viper ceased production in 1968, two years before the Hall Green factory closed forever. Acquired for the collection in April 2004, this Viper comes with an old-style V5C Registration certificate and an old-style continuation logbook. Issued in March 1972, the latter notes a change of frame number from 'RS6617' to the current 'RS8617', possibly correcting a clerical error.

Saleroom notices

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 7: click here

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

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 specialist

Specialist 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

Bid now on these items

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III

£3,000 - £5,000
1976 Honda CB750
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Honda CB750

£2,400 - £4,400
1926 Triumph 494cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1926 Triumph 494cc

£4,000 - £6,000
1934 Austin Seven 65
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1934 Austin Seven 65

£4,000 - £6,000
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

£3,200 - £4,000
Triumph 5T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 5T

£3,000 - £4,000
Triumph Tiger 100
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph Tiger 100

£3,000 - £4,000
1971 Honda CB750
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Honda CB750

£2,400 - £4,400
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp

£4,000 - £5,000
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1978 Ducati SD 900 Darmah
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Ducati SD 900 Darmah

£2,400 - £3,400
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1921 Triumph 550cc Model H

£4,000 - £5,000
1916 Radco 211cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1916 Radco 211cc

£3,400 - £4,400
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1974 Moto Guzzi 750S

£4,000 - £6,000
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000
A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,
United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500