LOT 471

1978 SILK 653cc 700S Mark 2 Registration no. ANH 770S Frame no. 700S/2/83 Engine no. 700S/2/85

Estimate: £10,000 - £12,000

Lot 471

1978 SILK 653cc 700S Mark 2

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1978 SILK 653cc 700S Mark 2
Registration no. ANH 770S
Frame no. 700S/2/83
Engine no. 700S/2/85

George Silk's first motorcycle was a Scott-engined special entered in the 1971 Manx Grand Prix. The frame was a sturdy duplex-loop item built by Spondon engineering, and the Scott engine - one of the oldest and longest-lived designs in motorcycling history - was extensively modified to produce more power and withstand the stresses of racing. A Velocette gearbox, turned on its side, comprised the transmission. A number of Scott-engined bikes was produced before Silk turned to building his own power unit. Laid out along lines similar to that of the Scott, the Silk was a water-cooled two-stroke parallel twin with deflector pistons and primary drive taken from the centre of the crankshaft. Production commenced around 1975 and continued until 1980, by which time 138 complete machines had been built, latterly as the 'Mark 2' with partly black-finished engine.

This ultra-rare British two-stroke motorcycle has belonged to the current vendor since 2004, and we are advised that any spares needed have been supplied by specialist Clive Worrall. The machine currently displays a total of 23,160 miles on the odometer and is offered with an owner's handbook and V5C document.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

This lot is offered with keys. The engine number is 700/2/85.

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