c.1951 Velocette 349cc KTT MkVIII Racing Motorcycle

With its deep fuel tank, massively finned overhead-cam engine and purposeful appearance, the MkVIII KTT is unquestionably one of the most beautiful racing motorcycles ever made. The talking point of Velocette's new racer on its introduction in 1939 was swinging-arm rear suspension, an innovation first seen on the works bikes in 1936. By now tried and tested, the Velocette rear suspension comprised a pivoting fork made from tapered tubing and complemented by a pair of Dowty Oleomatic air-sprung struts. The rest of the cycle parts remained much as those of the rigid-framed MkVII. The engine, while basically the same as its predecessor's, incorporated a number of improvements intended to enhance power and reliability, and despite the springer's increase in weight over the rigid model, its superior performance and excellent handling made the MkVIII KTT a formidable competitor.

Despite its pre-war origins, the MkVIII KTT proved good enough to provide Freddie Frith and Velocette with the 350cc World Championship in 1949, a year in which he won every Championship round, though in most cases courtesy of a special works twin-cam engine. Only 49 MkVIIIs were constructed prior to WW2, and a further 189 up to the end of production in the early 1950s (a mere two were completed in 1951 and the last one in 1953). Today the MkVIII KTT is one of the most sought after of all British racing motorcycles.

The current private vendor has owned this MkVIII KTT for around 12 years. Previously owned and built by renowned marque authority, Ivan Rhodes, the KTT was raced by Ivan and his late son Graham for many years: "always a pleasure to ride". It has also been ridden on several occasions by famous TT competitors including Bill Lomas, Tony Ainsley, Malcolm Wheeler and John Kidson, and in 1983 was ridden on the Manx Grand Prix Parade Lap by Stanley Woods, twice winner of the Isle of Man Junior TT riding a MkVIII (1938 and 1939). Ivan Rhodes' letter and a photograph of Stanley Woods and the KTT is on file (apparently, the MGP outing was his last ride). Two other photographs show the KTT at Mallory Park and the Isle of Man respectively.

In Ivan Rhodes' book, Passion of a Lifetime, frame number 'SF262' is listed as being despatched 'overseas' in April 1951 fitted with engine number '1089'. Factory records confirm frame number 'SF262' as being despatched to Whites in Auckland, New Zealand on 5th April 1951 with engine number '1089'. Factory records show that engine number '1021' was despatched in March 1949 to David Bros in Chester in frame number '226', though it should be noted that the engine fitted to this machine features a 'K' prefix. A copy of the KTT despatch records is on file.

The vendor has ridden the KTT on parade laps at the Festival of 1,000 Bikes at Mallory Park, and at VMCC and Morini Day events at Cadwell Park. He considers his best rides to have been on the Manx Grand Prix Parade Laps in 2016 and 2017: "It was a very surprising bike to ride in terms of comfort, handling and speed for this event. I got around in 30 minutes, which is very respectable. It was always extremely reliable and certainly relished being ridden seriously."

Sadly, little else is known about this well presented and obviously highly capable KTT. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, authenticity, originality, completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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