LOT 564

c.1961 / 1967 Velocette 499cc Venom / Thruxton Registration no. MTN 288E Frame no. RS16108 Engine no. VMT 490

Sold for £10,580 inc. premium

Lot 564

c.1961 / 1967 Velocette 499cc Venom / Thruxton
Registration no. MTN 288E Frame no. RS16108 Engine no. VMT 490

The Spring Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|23 April 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1961 / 1967 Velocette 499cc Venom / Thruxton
Registration no. MTN 288E
Frame no. RS16108
Engine no. VMT 490

Previously sold by Bonhams at Stafford (Lot 307 October 2013) this machine is believed to have started life as a pukka Velocette Thruxton in 1967, but by 1972 (as evidenced by an old continuation green VE60 log book on file), the frame had been changed for an earlier Venom/Viper frame dating from c.1961. Why, or exactly when, this occurred is open to conjecture, but a clue to the original owner may be gleaned from a letter on file from Velocette to a previous owner, Mr L. G. Wright in November 1966, recommending that he purchase a Thruxton to fulfil his requirements for high-speed cruising capability, stating that 'It is a reliable model, it is very fast, has vivid acceleration and handles as a racer should, and last but not least, it is a very attractive looking machine, a choice which we feel you would not regret.'. Following the sale in 2013, the Velo appears to have been restored, and ultimately was purchased by the present vendor (purchase invoice on file). Not long before this, MTN 288E was tested by Classic Bike magazine in December 2020 (copy on file). After acquisition, feeling the riding position too radical for him, he fitted touring bars and footrests (the old clip-ons and rearsets will accompany the bike). He also fitted a new 34mm Amal MkII Concentric carburettor, to further improve useability. A modern replacement BTH magneto has also been fitted. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old-type V5, the aforementioned continuation VE60 log book, letter, magazine, and purchase invoice, together with associated sundry papers.
Offered without key

Footnotes

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