1976 Silk 653cc 700S Mark 1

• One of only 10 Mark 1 examples known to survive
• One owner from new until 2022
• Restored in the 2010s and again in 2023
• Original order paperwork, brochure and handbook

Engineer George Silk's first machine 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 were produced before Silk turned to building his own power unit.

In 1975 Silk turned motorcycle manufacturer with the 700S, a stylish sports roadster powered by his own Scott-based engine. Laid out along lines similar to the Scott, the Silk was a water-cooled two-stroke 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.

One of only 10 'Mark 1' models that the Silk Owners' Club knows to exist worldwide, this early 700S was purchased new from Silk Engineering by Mr Howard Bissell, a member of the British Two-Stroke Club, who wrote a lengthy article about his Silk for the club's magazine, The Independent (copy article on file). In his article Mr Bissell states that his was the last one built of the first batch of eight machines completed (nb the engine number has been over-stamped but this is clearly an error being corrected at the factory).

The Silk was ridden enthusiastically for a number of year before being consigned to storage, remaining there until Mr Bissell retrieved it for restoration, a process that would take six years to complete (the engine seems to have been rebuilt in 2014 - see photographs). The machine is finished in the purple livery of Silk Cut cigarettes, a popular brand during the 1970s, and an option offered by George Silk. Mr Bissell kept the Silk until 2022, and in 2023 it was extensively restored again using OEM parts where available and remade items where not. Accompanying paperwork includes original correspondence from Silk concerning Mr Bissell's order and the specification and options available; four MoTs (most recent expired 2019); a quantity of restoration invoices; old/current V5/V5C documents; and an original owner's handbook and brochure. A wonderful opportunity to own a rare piece of British motorcycling history.
Offered with key