An opportunity to acquire a true “cult” motorcycle
The Appeal
“As lively as a Squirrel and never sheds a nut!”
Thus ran Scott’s advertising for their successful two stroke 596cc motorcycle,- the Flying Squirrel. Scott produced their first production motorcycle in 1909, and from then to the outbreak of WW2 it was the subject of slow improvement, culminating in the first 500cc Squirrel being introduced in 1921, and the 600cc three speed Flying Squirrel in 1923. Despite being two strokes Scott motorcycles were quick and more than a match for larger four stroke machines. The governing body of racing determined that the Scott two-stroke had a 1.32 advantage over the more popular four-stroke machines, which meant that a 660cc four-stroke could compete against a 500cc two-stroke.
Sales fell away during the Depression and Scott went into receivership in 1921. The new Flying Squirrel saved the company and production continued, albeit slowly, to the outbreak of the war. In 1946 the Flying Squirrel appeared again, but financial difficulties struck once more, and by 1948 production ceased. In 1950 a Scott enthusiast named Matt Holder bought all the tooling, drawings and stock and moved the factory from Shipley to Birmingham. Nothing was heard until 1954 when the “Brum” Scotts began to appear with a modernised chassis and slightly improved engine. The engine was an impressive piece of work, both good looking and functional. It was a slightly over-square (73mm bore, 71.4mm stroke) 596cc parallel twin, water-cooled, the cylinders inclined forward about 45 degrees. Down in the die-cast aluminium crankcase the flywheel was in the middle, and separate chambers were on each side. The primary drive did not run off one end of the crankshaft, but from the middle, using a sprocket next to the flywheel. The crank spun on roller bearings set inboard from the ends, and it produced about 30hp at 5,000rpm. Carburetion was through a single angled 1-inch Amal, with a remote upright float bowl.
Lubrication was delivered by an unorthodox mechanism called a Pilgrim pump. This was the old-fashioned way of oiling, and was used in early total-loss four-strokes, allowing the rider to determine the amount of oil going into the engine by a sight glass and an adjustable knob, the remnants being burned with the fuel. Not the easiest or most practical method, and luckily this has been disconnected on our example, with a two stroke oil/fuel mix being recommended.
Production of Scotts continued from 1954 and into the 1960s, although production was slow and sporadic, and mainly made to order. The final Flying Squirrels were made in 1969, by then it was outdated and more of an enthusiasts choice.
This example is a “Brum” Scott, having been manufactured in Birmingham and first registered in 1957. The Seller, and automotive engineer, purchased it in 2016 as he had always admired them for their clever engineering. Upon purchase he found the carburettor was incorrect with the float bowl at an angle which explained why it wasn’t running correctly. An original was sourced at great expense and installed which sorted the running issues.
Although the Scott has been started regularly and warmed up, the Seller has never ridden it! Being slightly built he found the Scott to be a bit heavy, and having another bike to ride it soon found its way to the back of the garage.. Now he has decided to slim down the collection, and we are pleased to being offering what is a rare and interesting bike in outstanding condition.
History and Paperwork
Built in Birmingham in 1957
First registered in May 1957 with its current UOP291
Original Buff logbook on file matching frame and engine numbers
Purchased by the Seller in 2016, but never ridden
V5c In Seller’s name
Old MoT certificates from 1997-2002 verify mileage
Letter from Scott Motorcycles dated March 1950 regarding brochures, whilst the company was in the hands of the Receivers
Three original Scott brochures from 1949-1950
Handwritten note from a previous owner regarding oil mixture and starting procedure
Amal Monobloc carburettor diagram
Volumes 1 & 2 of Scott Technical Detail and articles, spiral bound from 1994, heavy, thick and comprehensive!
The Condition
Excellent glossy black paintwork with white pin striping and Scott Flying Squirrel graphics
Black painted frame in clean and undamaged condition
Dual black seat with space for passenger, in immaculate condition with no marks or holes
Italian Radaelli 19 inch chrome wheels in lovely condition
Avon tyres in old but unused condition
Front hub with twin front brakes
Excellent black painted mudguards, minor chips to edge of rear
Original gauges, voltmeter on headlight, large 120mph speedometer and clock mounted on handlebars
Later aftermarket mirrors added to bar ends, easily removable
Lucas headlight glass and rear lenses in good condition
All chrome and plated parts in good condition with minor pitting
Superb Flying Squirrel graphics on both sides
Overall clean and original condition throughout with nothing more than dust and some age
The Mechanics
Impressive Scott 596cc 30hp two stroke
3 speed gearbox
All original condition
Correct Amal angled carburettor with upright float bowl installed
Original Pilgrim oil metering system with sight window currently disconnected but still in place
Clean and corrosion free underneath
Has been run, but not ridden for past 7 years
Appears to be in excellent mechanical condition, with no leaks or drips
May require minor fettling, but essentially ready to enjoy
Summary
Built in the later years of Scott production this example came from the Birmingham factory so would be referred to as a “Brum” Scott. Benefitting from years of development the later bikes are considered to be the best to ride, with a similar feel to a Norton 600, but with an exhaust note that rises to a distinctive “yowl” at higher revs. Although very few were built between 1954 and 1969 the Flying Squirrel enjoys a cult following, with an active Scott Owner’s Club and regular meets. Scotts are rare bikes and the later best developed models are the most rewarding to ride and thus the most sought after. We’ve not seen better than this..
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
