c.1959 Velocette 499cc "Thruxtonised" Viper

Veloce introduced their new Viper (350cc) and Venom (500cc) sports machines in the mid-1950s. Many sporting achievements followed, but none greater than when, in March 1961 at Montlhery, a "near standard" Velocette Venom Clubman Veeline became the first motorcycle to average over 100mph for 24 hours. The super sports Thruxton was announced in 1964, and its most famous moment must be the outstanding class win in the 1967 Production TT. There is little doubt that the Thruxton has become the most sought after of the M series (pushrod engined) Velocettes.

Velocette specialists Grove Classics advise that frame no. RS13230 was part of a Viper which left the Hall Green factory in October 1959 and was sent to Robertsons, the Velocette dealer in Alloa, Scotland; and that the Viper crankcases no. VR3469 left the factory in a different Viper twelve months later. The vendor believes that that this very stylish Velo was built in its current "Thruxtonised" form around 1990. Components include alloy rims, a believed John Tickle twin leading shoe front brake, an aluminium Thruxton style tank with a Monza cap, a Thruxton style seat, rev counter and speedometer, swept back exhaust system, oil tank with heat shield, clip on bars, rearset footrests and foot controls, and an alloy top yoke. The exact specification of the engine is not known, but a 500cc top end was built on the aforementioned Viper crankcases (Viper and Venom cases are interchangeable) and fitted with a Mikuni carburettor. The vendor advises us that the rear shocks are NJB items, and that a new battery was fitted very recently. It should be noted that the gearbox is a type 14 Velocette box, serial no. 14-3077.

The vendor, a professional engineer, acquired the Velocette on July 5th 2003. He tells us that he has probably covered 7,000 - 8,000 miles on it. This has included trips to Sardinia, the Dolomites, several Manx Rallies etc. It is accompanied by a V5C and was last started in April this year. The current odometer reading is 14,303. This is an opportunity to pick up a Velo which looks very much like a Thruxton for an awful lot less money than the genuine article.

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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