Description
This motorcycle is Lot 52 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 52
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 52
Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck
1962 Velocette 499cc Venom Clubman Mk1
Registration no. 726 NMC
Frame no. RS16780
Engine no. VM5407
Engine development of the MSS pursued as part of the scrambles programme bore fruit in 1956 in the shape of the high-performance Venom and its 350cc sibling, the Viper. 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. In 1960 'Clubman' versions of both were introduced, minus the enclosure panels of the standard models, which featured a raised compression ratio, Amal TT carburettor, 'racing' magneto, rear-set footrests and a close-ratio gearbox among many other improvements. When supplied with the optional dolphin fairing, the model was known as the Clubman Veeline.
This Velocette Venom Clubman as purchased by Len in 1986 and cosmetically restored by him (the engine was not restored). Pre-restoration photographs on file depict the Clubman in Veeline specification but no previous history is known, other than what may be deduced from the accompanying original RF. 60 logbook, which shows that the Venom was first registered to Strand Motor Cycles of Harringay, North London in January 1962. Additional documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate; the 1986 purchase receipt; a 1970 tax disc; and a DVLA letter concerning retrieval of the original registration '726 NMC' in 1991.
Dry stored, the machine has not been started since 2019, though the engine has been turned over periodically. Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed. (It is worthwhile noting that Len believed the recorded mileage total of 24, 780 to be genuine - but not warranted.)
£6, 000 - 10, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
