1929 Velocette 249cc USS

Registration no. DF 7177 Frame no. U1446 Engine no. USS21

• Ex-Fred Povey factory machine
• One of only two USS models known to survive
• Present ownership since 2007
• Restoration completed in 2015

"The model U (for utility) sold at £36 and it weighed 193lb. It quickly established a reputation for reliability under all manner of conditions thus proving a worthy successor to the two-stroke range." – Burgess & Clew, Always in the Picture – a History of the Velocette Motorcycle.

The first machine to bear the name 'Velocette' was a two-stroke, so called to differentiate it from the larger, four-stroke Veloce, and the type was an almost permanent fixture of the Hall Green range until WW2. Introduced at the Olympia Show in 1927, the model U represented a major updating of the existing Velocette two-stroke, boasting a roller bearing big-end, 6" diameter brakes, lightweight Webb forks (replacing Bramptons) and the now fashionable saddle tank. The existing three-speed gearbox was retained.

A USS (Utility Super Sports) model appeared in 1929, differing from the 'cooking' version by virtue of its more generously finned cylinder with detachable cast-iron head and forward facing spark plug. Ports were gas-flowed and a larger Amal Type 6 carburettor fitted. Faster than the model U, the USS cost £42 and weighed 205lb. It would prove to be a very short-lived model, disappearing from the range after only a single season when replaced by the GTP for 1930. Velocette built only 262 examples of the USS and it is believed that only one other exists: the ex-Jeff Clew bike, which now resides in Germany.

Factory records show that this USS was retained by Veloce Ltd for the use of their works rider, Fred Povey. 'DF 7177' was acquired by the current vendor in 2007 as a 'barn find' restoration project, as evidenced by 'as found' photographs on file showing the machine to be remarkably complete. The rebuild was finished in 2015. The machine comes with a very comprehensive history file containing the 2007 purchase receipt; numerous restoration invoices; correspondence with Velocette authorities Jeff Clew and Ivan Rhodes; an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1941); a run of tax discs from 1933 to 1948 (17 in number); V5C documents etc, etc (inspection recommended).
Offered without key