Ex-Roland Stobart, 1930 Manx Grand Prix, 1930 Scott 498cc Sprint Special.

Scott's Sprint Special model combined the company's most powerful engine (from the TT Replica model) and a lighter single downtube frame derived from their speedway model. The acceleration and handling were both exceptional. Sprint Specials were specially built in the Shipley factory's competition shop, and the customer could specify more or less whatever he or she wanted, so it is quite possible that no two were the same. The Sprint Special is possibly the most desirable model that Scotts ever produced.

Two very similar Sprint Specials were entered in the very first Senior Manx Grand Prix in 1930 (prior to this the September race had been titled the Amateur TT). They were ridden by Roland Stobart and Noel Mavrogordato ('Mavro'). The motorcycle offered here is Stobart's machine. We are fortunate that the vendor's father, the late Charles Windsor, recorded much of the history of these two machines. This Sprint Special left the works on 18th July 1930 and was despatched to Scott's Manchester depot. Charles' notes indicate that it was returned to Shipley to be prepared alongside Mavro's machine for the Manx GP which would only have been a few weeks away. Amongst other modifications both machines were fitted with beautiful specially made large tanks and fitted with a foot gear change conversion. The original engine in Stobart's machine was PY3396, a 596cc unit which would have been too large for the race, so a 498cc engine was fitted in its place. Charles Windsor writes that this was engine number SP1929TT, and indeed this is the number which appears on the V5C. However, it should be noted that the engine is stamped SPTT/29. He says that 'SP' stood for 'spare', and that this had been a spare engine from the previous year's TT.

The six lap race was won by Ralph Merrill on a Rudge at an average speed of 69.49mph. Roland Stobart finished 15th with an average speed of 64.71mph, while Mavro retired with a broken fork spring at Sulby Bridge on the third lap when going well. Nothing more is known of this machine until it resurfaced in 1961. Charles Windsor writes that Scott authority, the late Jim Best, saw the bike that year at Paddock Garage in Hampton Court, and that in the office was a photo of Stobart on the Scott at Governors Bridge. Jim was offered the bike for £40 but he couldn't raise the money. Later that year it was bought by another Scott man, Cyril Wright. He refurbished the bike, and it was ridden by Alan Cooper in the 1962 Banbury Run, but it kept seizing and was afterwards put away. Following Cyril Wright's death in 1987 it was bought by Charles Windsor who restored it over the next ten months.

Charles rode it extensively over many years including at such places and events as Brands Hatch, Goodwood Festival of Speed, and we think also Coupes Moto Legende at Dijon. The Scott hasn't been ridden for a while, so some recommissioning will be required and perhaps other work too, although the last person to ride it, one of Charles' close friends, told us that it was running well at that time.

Offered with V5C, as well as various other items of documentation including Charles Windsor's notes. It should be noted that we have been unable to locate the frame number due to heavy paint. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves entirely with regard to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.

In looking for it we removed the 2012 and 2013 BMCRC Brands Hatch scrutineering stickers which are supplied but no longer attached.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a significant and rather beautiful piece of Scott history. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
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