LOT 239

Property of a deceased's estate 1959 Velocette 499cc Venom Registration no. VBC 764 Frame no. RS12237 Engine no. VM2919

Estimate: £3,000 - £4,000

Lot 239

Property of a deceased's estate, 1959 Velocette 499cc Venom

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|13 October 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
1959 Velocette 499cc Venom
Registration no. VBC 764
Frame no. RS12237
Engine no. VM2919

Introduced in 1956, the Venom sports roadster was derived from the touring MSS. The latter disappeared from the range in 1948, reappearing in 1954 with a new swinging-arm frame and telescopic fork. The engine too was updated, changing to 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 86x86mm, which permitted higher revs and potentially greater power, as well as gaining an alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. In the autumn of 1955 engine development pursued as part of the scrambles programme bore fruit in the shape of the high-performance Venom and its 350cc sibling, the Viper, which were launched at that year's Motorcycle Show. 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. Produced until the end of Velocette production in 1971, the Venom represents the final glorious flowering of the traditional British sports single, and today these supremely well-engineered thoroughbreds are highly sought after.

First registered on 9th May 1959, this Venom was purchased by the vendor's late brother in 1978. Apparently not used for some time, the machine will require recommissioning or more extensive restoration before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Accompanying paperwork consists of a photocopied old V5 and an old V5C document.
Key not required

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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 13 October starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note the V5C lists the frame number as RS1237, omitting the second 2 visible on the machine.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-88) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 101-176 & 201-429) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles