1954 Velocette MSS
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
HIGHLIGHTS
• Lovely restored example
• Classic British single stroke with impressive performance for its age
• Matching numbers
• Very good condition
THE APPEAL
The MSS was Birmingham-based Velocette’s all-new model for the late 1930s, introduced in 1935 and offering good comfort and reliable, high-speed touring performance. Its success was stymied by the Second World War, during which Velcoette’s factory was turned over to arms manufacture.
The MSS returned to production immediately post-war and for a while saw a moderate boom, with strong sales in the early 1950s and successful US exports, as well as providing the basis for the record-breaking Velocette Venom, which achieved a 100mph endurance record in 1961.
But by then, single-cylinder bikes were old hat, and the MSS was struggling to compete with the more advanced twin-cylinder bikes from other British makers. By 1967, the writing was on the wall and while Velocette officially continued for another three years, it had failed to make a profit.
A sad swan song for one of the most quality-focused bike manufacturers in the UK – something that was core to Velocette’s appeal back then and is even more so today, with collectors favouring not only the impeccable build but also the rarity of Velocette’s models.
A sad swan song for one of the most quality-focused bike manufacturers in the UK – something that was core to Velocette’s appeal back then and is even more so today, with collectors favouring not only the impeccable build but also the rarity of Velocette’s models.
Venom aside, the MSS is the most sought-after – the high point of the company’s model history and one that’s increasingly collectable.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• Fully restored by a previous keeper
• Matching numbers bike
• Low miles since restoration
• UK V5C
• Tax and MOT exempt
Not much is known of the bike’s early history but it was subject to a full and comprehensive restoration.
It comes with a UK V5C in the owner’s name and is both tax and MOT exempt. Prior to its restoration it had been off the road for many years, pre-dating digital tax and MOT records.
THE CONDITION
• Excellent condition
• Superb restoration
• Barely used since
Having been stripped down and comprehensively restored, the Velocette is impressively well-presented and is in terrific overall condition. The frame, seat and mudguards are in good condition. There is however some slight rust on the front mudguard and the grab rail shows slight chrome imperfection.
THE MECHANICS
• 499cc air-cooled single
• Drum brakes
• Runs well with no known problems
The Velocette’s single-cylinder engine has an unmistakable sound and it is also surprisingly powerful for both its capacity and its single-stroke design. It has an Alton electric starter, a Criterion ignition system and a twin leading shoe front brake.
It runs sweetly with no known problems and is reported by the vendor to be an excellent bike to ride.
SUMMARY
This is a lovely, restored example of a rare and interesting bike, presented in excellent restored condition and ready to use, show or enjoy. It’s in great order and would make the perfect addition to any 1950s bike collection, as well as being a lively and enjoyable bike that, despite its age, is still more than capable of holding its own in the cut and thrust of modern traffic.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1954
- Make Velocette
- Model MSS
- Colour Black
- Odometer 176 Miles
- Engine size 499
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cornwall
- Country United Kingdom
33
bids
- t.•••• £7,000 21/02/23
- ch•••• £6,900 21/02/23
- t.•••• £6,800 21/02/23
- t.•••• £6,700 21/02/23
- ch•••• £6,600 21/02/23
- t.•••• £6,500 21/02/23
- cl•••• £6,300 21/02/23
- ch•••• £6,200 21/02/23
- cl•••• £6,100 21/02/23
- t.•••• £6,000 21/02/23
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.