Highlights

Only two owners since 1968
Fully restored in 1969
Believed not to be have been on the road since 1970, but always maintained
Offered for sale from a prominent motorcycle collection

The Appeal

Velocette undoubtedly occupies a place in the pantheon of great motorcycling marques, and yet it seems today to be sadly underrated, probably because the name has never been revived since it was wound up in 1971, at a time when the British motorcycle industry generally was struggling.

In its heyday from the 1930s through to the early 1960s, Velocette produced many fine machines, some of which were rather exciting. One of the most desirable Velocettes of the 1930s was the overhead-valve, high-cam MSS, a big 500cc thumper which Velocette conceived as a powerful and comfortable bike for carrying a sidecar. Of course, it didn’t take too long before enthusiasts started to explore the performance potential and, they found it much to their liking. Among these enthusiasts was New Zealand’s Burt Munro, of Indian land speed record fame, who managed to squeeze 138mph out of a heavily tuned 1936 MSS.

This is a really remarkable example because, while the bike itself is 77 years old, it sports a restoration which is a full 54 years old. You’d never guess it, however. A combination of extremely limited use and continuous care has ensured that the Velocette has been well protected from the ravages of time, such that anyone would think the restoration was finished within the last 10 years.

After a few years on display in a static collection, some basic recommissioning may be required, after which this will make a fantastic bike for rallies and pub-lunch runs during the summer.

The History and Paperwork

Registered in Warwickshire in October 1946 and original supplied by W. L. Handley Ltd. of Suffolk Street, Birmingham
Bought by Mr. Raymond Althorpe of Ipswich in 1968
Restored by Althorpe throughout 1969 and taxed for the road in 1970
After 1970, there is no evidence of the Velocette having been used on the road again, though it was always maintained by Althorpe with the engine regularly turned over
Purchased by the vendor in 2013 as one of the first bikes in what would soon become a very large collection
Sold with a current V5, the historic logbook from 1970 and a collection of invoices for recommissioning work completed in 2014

The Condition

A remarkably well-preserved, high-quality restoration dating back over 50 years
Virtually untouched, save for cleaning and maintenance, since 1970
Presents beautifully with a very light patina

If we were to describe this bike as freshly restored, it wouldn’t be too far from the truth. Its present condition is the result of a superb restoration carried out during 1969, since when the bike has hardly been touched at all. As a consequence, the paint, chrome, wheels and seat are excellent, even though they are all at least 54 years old. The wheels are understood to have been more recently upgraded with stainless steel spokes.

Even when a bike is kept garaged, regularly cleaned and generally protected against all kinds of harm, its appearance still changes slightly for the better just through the passage of time, and that fact is very much evident in the Velocette. The paint finish and the brightwork have mellowed just a little as they’ve matured, and a light patina has taken shape across the surface. The resulting sheen is exceptionally beautiful.

There are one or two small paint blemishes on the tank and wings, but none are obvious, and there is some slight wear to the leather at the back of the seat but, all things considered, the condition of this bike after 54 years almost defies credulity.

The Mechanics

Engine believed to have been rebuilt during restoration
Post-restoration mileage of 183 miles believed to be genuine
Some recommissioning work undertaken in 2014

Since every effort was made to restore this bike to the highest possible cosmetic standard, we have every reason to believe that the same thoroughness was applied to its mechanical restoration. It is very likely that the engine was rebuilt in 1969 along with the other mechanical systems, and it would appear that the odometer was reset at the time. The reading of 183 miles is almost certainly genuine, considering there is no evidence of the bike having been on the road since 1970.

Although the bike has been in storage, it has not been neglected, and Mr. Althorpe would periodically turn the engine over. Shortly after it was acquired by the vendor, some light recommissioning was carried out which included fitting new throttle and clutch cables, the dynamo belt and various seals and gaskets. Since then, the bike has again been placed into storage, so some further recommissioning may be necessary. We were pleased to observe while wheeling the bike around that the brakes seem to be in working order.

Of course, without any MoT record, we are in no position to guarantee roadworthiness, but it is our earnest belief that this bike will be ideally suited to long rides after not much more than a straightforward service.

The Summary

The big British singles of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s abound with charm and character, and the Velocette MSS is very typical of the breed and was very highly regarded in period. Somewhat overlooked today in favour of better-remembered marques, they’re always guaranteed to draw admiring looks on the show and rally circuit.

This one, in particular, deserves its time in the limelight having been hidden away for over half a century. While it’s something of a pity that it hasn’t really been ridden, the years of storage have treated it well and its mellowed restoration gives it a most attractive look. Why not give it the exposure it deserves and head out to some rallies this summer?

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