LOT 305

1961 Velocette 500cc Venom Registration no. 173 CEW Frame no. RS15881 Engine no. VM 4848

Sold for £4,025 inc. premium

Lot 305

1961 Velocette 500cc Venom

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|11 October 2026, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1961 Velocette 500cc Venom
Registration no. 173 CEW
Frame no. RS15881
Engine no. VM 4848

Introduced in 1956, the Venom sports roadster was derived from the touring MSS. The latter had 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, while 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. Today these supremely well-engineered thoroughbreds are highly sought after.

The private vendor purchased this Venom in February 2010 from an online auction site. The original listing is on file together with then owner's hand-written receipt. The listing states that the machine had benefited from a new complete clutch, piston rings, magneto armature, and 12-volt electrics.

Accompanying paperwork includes the original old-style logbook; numerous expired MoTs and tax discs; a current V5C Registration Certificate; DVLA SORN correspondence; and copious amounts of invoices and bills dating back to the early 1980s.

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 must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding.

Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Bonhams Motorcycles - The Autumn Stafford Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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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' Obligations
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If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
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Buyers' Premium and Charges
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For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
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