1934 Velocette 349cc KTT Mk IV

By the early 1920s it had become apparent that Veloce needed a model more up-market than its Velocette two-stroke. Other manufacturers were fielding new overhead-valve and overhead-camshaft machines, and Veloce followed suit, the Percy Goodman-designed, overhead-cam Model K appearing in 1924. Of 348cc, the new engine employed a single overhead camshaft driven by a vertical shaft, and was unusual in having a very narrow crankcase, an arrangement determined by the existing transmission and frame design, but which made for a stiff crankshaft assembly. Entered in the 1925 Isle of Man TT, the model K did not fare well, all three entries retiring because of lubrication problems. Its engine redesigned to incorporate dry-sump oiling, the cammy Velo returned the following year to score a memorable victory, Alec Bennett romping home in the Junior race ten minutes ahead of the next rider! Second place in 1927 followed by another win for Bennett in '28 ensured a healthy demand for Velocette's overhead-cam roadsters and prompted the launch of the KTT. One of the most successful over-the-counter racers of all time, the KTT debuted at the 1928 Olympia Show where it was hailed as an 'exact replica' of Bennett's 1928 works bike, though in fact the production MkI KTT incorporated a number of improvements.

The KTT would be regularly up-dated with improvements first tried on the works bikes, and the major change for the MkIV was the introduction of a four-speed gearbox with Willis positive-stop foot-change, together with a new cylinder head incorporating hairpin valve springs and a more-compact scavenge pump. Redesigning the latter enabled the spark plug - now a 14mm type - to be relocated for improved combustion. The cycle parts too had come in for revision, the frame's tank rails being lowered to accommodate a larger fuel tank and, later in 1932, a rear sub-frame being added beneath the engine and gearbox. Part way through production the MkIV benefited from another works experiment, the cylinder head material changing to bronze as a result of overheating experienced on Willis' blown racer 'Whiffling Clara' when the standard cast-iron 'head was used. Production of the MkIV ceased in October 1934 on the introduction of the MkV after around 148 machines had been made.

According to the KTT Register, this MkIV KTT was supplied to Alexander & Co, Edinburgh and first registered on 5th September 1934 (the frame is correct as per the factory records). The machine is registered 'FG 9856'. This is a Fife registration so it could well be the originally issued number. The first owner's identity is presently unknown.

The first known owner is one R C Baker of Northolt, who registered the Velocette on 9th April 1956. Subsequently the KTT was registered to L R Baker of Northolt (same address as above). The entry is partly illegible but likely to be dated 1958. In 1960 the machine was registered to R Greenland of Dunstable, and then in January 2007 to the present owner, M S Greenland of Chorley.

When purchased by Mr R Greenland in 1960 the bike was in 'large lumps' and the front forks and wheel were missing. Original parts included the engine, gearbox (number '1113-3'), frame, rear wheel complete, petrol and oil tanks, footrest brackets, rear brake pedal, exhaust pipe and various sundry parts. R Greenland commenced refurbishment of the engine but only completed the crankcases, oil pump and flywheel assembly. There was also a 1934 gearbox, albeit not the one on the KTT Register. According to the KTT Register, the gearbox number when supplied in 1934 was '1275'.

The Webb forks, as fitted to road-going Velocettes of the period, were modified by Daniels of Birmingham around 1990-1995. Additional struts were fitted to give the appearance of 'strutted' Webb forks, as originally supplied to KTT machines.

M S Greenland completed the engine rebuild in 2009. The engine has the K17/6 cam and a BTH magneto, and breathes via an Amal 10TT9 1+1/16" carburettor. A gearbox of the same type as the original (number '1554-3') was selected from in-stock spares and refurbished for use. Gearbox number '1113-3', which was with the bike in 1960, is present but is unrestored and incomplete.

The bike was reassembled by marque specialist Clive Repik of Newton Abbott in 2016, with standard gearbox ratios, a kickstart, and a prop-stand. Registered for the road, the KTT has covered at least a few miles every year since then. Its last outing was on 24th August 2026.

Accompanying paperwork includes an old-style continuation logbook (1956); a quantity of invoices; DVLA correspondence; copy KTT Register extract; HPI report; and a current V5C Registration Certificate. It should be noted that the V5C/HPI records the frame number as 'M4'.

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 completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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