1937 Velocette KSS
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Believed to be an older restoration
- Very low mileage suggests the engine has been rebuilt
- Attractive patina creates a well-used appearance
- Not ridden on the road for 32 years
The Background
One of the great names among pre-war sporting motorcycles, the Velocette KSS had a long and distinguished production life. It was the final incarnation of the K series, which denoted the overhead camshaft engine, with SS standing for Super Sports.
Equipped with a 348cc single-cylinder engine producing 25 bhp, the KSS entered production in 1925, when a top speed of around 80 mph was not to be sniffed at by any means. Versions of the K series were built to satisfy different requirements, and some were developed with a view to racking up some racing successes, which began in 1926 when one was ridden to victory by Alec Bennett in the Isle of Man Junior T.T. Velocette and Bennett returned in 1927 to finish second, and won again in 1928. The K series was highly regarded for its excellent handling so, when tuned and fitted with a racing clutch, one managed the remarkable feat of reaching 90 mph on the T.T. course.
As the KSS aged, a mid-life revamp was necessary, resulting in the KSS Mk. II of 1936. With a frame based on the Velocette Mk. V KTT and a new engine with an alloy cylinder head providing reduced weight and improved cooling, it was revitalised sufficiently for it to stay in production until 1948, all the while remaining competitive in race meetings.
The History
This Surrey-registered Velocette was purchased by its previous owner, Mr. David Pryce of Edenbridge, in 2013. The vendor, a longstanding motorcycle enthusiast and collector, purchased it from him in 2015. Since then, it has occupied garage space alongside some of the finest names in British motorcycling from the 1920s to the present. Bidders should note the D.V.L.A. records the bike as a 1942 model, and it has not been taxed for the road since 1990.
As a true enthusiast with the fullest appreciation of the motorcycles he owns, the owner likes to keep them all primed for use. To that end, he does not succumb to over-polishing or trailering them around to shows, preferring instead to run them, with all that that entails. The vendor has taken sufficient care of his machines to ensure that they run like clockwork, start willingly and run smoothly and reliably. It is in that spirit that the Velocette has been maintained, and while it may not be concours, a better-running example will be hard to find.
The vendor retains an attachment to all his bikes, but the decision to start a new life in Sweden means the collection has to be sold.
The Paperwork
The Velocette is sold with its current V5 and the 2018 edition of the Velocette Owners’ Club Sales List for spare parts.
The Condition
In our own view, this Velocette looks fantastic, just as any pre-war bike which gets used, enjoyed and perhaps raced a little bit ought to. A closer look reveals some superficial cosmetic damage, most obviously some chipped and scratched paint on the fuel tank, while there are also some smaller blemishes evident on other painted parts. It is a pity that the ‘Velocette’ tank decals are quite badly worn away in places, but they can very easily be replaced. While it may not appeal to trophy hunters, we don’t think a spot of superficial wear does the bike any harm at all – a semi-racing machine is not supposed to look cosseted!
The seat is in very good condition, while all the chrome and other metal surfaces exhibit a light patina in keeping with the bike’s overall condition. It looks to us like it was perhaps restored or at least repainted in the past; we suspect this may have occurred prior to 1990, when the Velocette appears on D.V.L.A. records. Since then, it has mellowed nicely, acquiring a visible patina but remaining highly presentable.
The Mechanics
Having seen this bike run, we believe the engine itself to be in good mechanical health. It has benefitted from a new Amal Carburettor and the fuel tank has had a good wash out. It hadn't been run for a good year or so when we arrived, but with some fresh petrol fired up after a few kicks. At the very least, we can certainly say that it sounds splendid!
We advise this machine will need some recommissioning to get it to a roadworthy standard, but a dedicated enthusiast with some mechanical knowledge will be able to get her back into a roadworthy state without too much of an issue.
We advise this machine will need some recommissioning to get it to a roadworthy standard, but a dedicated enthusiast with some mechanical knowledge will be able to get her back into a roadworthy state without too much of an issue.
The Appeal
For the sporting motorcyclist of the pre-war years, motorcycling didn’t get much better than the Velocette KSS. Reasonably light, with enviable handling and, for the time, an almost otherworldly top speed, the KSS was guaranteed to give satisfaction on the road and in competition.
With an appearance that looks both well used and well-cared for, this looks like a lovely example to own. While a check-over and perhaps some light recommissioning may be in order, before long you’ll be having the time of your life and then – who knows – perhaps the racing circuit will beckon. Pre-war Velocettes are still sprinted and raced regularly, and something like this KSS would go down a treat at events such as the Brighton Speed Trials.
Notice to bidders
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.
Consulta le nostre FAQ qui e i nostri Termini e condizioni qui
Specifiche del veicolo
- Anno 1937
- Marca Velocette
- Modello KSS
- Colore Black
- Chilometraggio 1,988 Miglia
- Cilindrata 348
Dettagli d'asta
- Tipo di venditore Privato
- Posizione Surrey
- Paese Regno Unito
49
offerte
- Ma•••• £12,750 08/03/22
- ta•••• £12,500 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £12,250 08/03/22
- ta•••• £12,000 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £11,750 08/03/22
- ta•••• £11,500 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £11,250 08/03/22
- ta•••• £11,000 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £10,750 08/03/22
- ta•••• £10,500 08/03/22
La galleria
Come funzionano le offerte massime
Il processo di offerta massima ti permette di fare offerte senza preoccupazioni.
Inserisci la tua offerta massima e il sistema farà offerte automaticamente per assicurarsi che tu sia il miglior offerente - fino all'ammontare da te stabilito come tetto massimo.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic contrasta il fenomeno dello “sniping”, ovvero il fenomeno dei rilanci all'ultimo secondo per vincere l'asta.
Se viene fatta un'offerta nei 3 minuti prima della chiusura dell'asta, la scadenza di questa viene automaticamente estesa di 2 minuti per permettere agli altri offerenti di reagire e, se lo desiderano, di rilanciare.
Incrementi di offerta automatica
- Se la sua offerta massima è uguale o inferiore al prezzo di riserva, la sua offerta massima sarà applicata per intero se lei è il miglior offerente.
- Se siete il miglior offerente e fate un'offerta massima superiore a quella di riserva, la riserva verrà automaticamente inserita come prima offerta.
-
- Una volta raggiunta la riserva, Car & Classic si assicurerà che tu sia il miglior offerente utilizzando solo gli incrementi di offerta indicati di seguito.
- Vi terremo in testa fino alla vostra offerta massima O all'incremento più vicino alla vostra offerta massima, a condizione che la vostra offerta massima sia sufficiente a coprire il valore dell'incremento.
| Ammontare dell'offerta | Incremento |
|---|---|
| Da £0 a £9,999 | £100.00 |
| Da £10,000 a £49,999 | £250.00 |
| Da £50,000 a £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Superamento immediato dell'offerta
Quando piazzi un'offerta massima e questa viene immediatamente superata, questo significa che un altro offerente ha impostato una soglia di offerta massima superiore alla tua.
Puoi fare nuovamente un'offerta o impostare una soglia più alta di offerta massima e il nostro sistema rilancerà fino alla nuova soglia, cercando di portarti a essere il miglior offerente.
Offerte massime di pari ammontare
Quando ci sono due offerte massime di pari ammontare, quella impostata per prima è quella che viene considerata “migliore offerta”.
Pre-autorizzazione
Potremmo trattenere un piccolo importo di pre-autorizzazione sulla tua carta fino alla fine dell'asta, quando quest'ultimo verrà poi stornato. Se vinci, verrà prelevata una caparra che verrà detratta dal pagamento del prezzo di vendita per il veicolo e non comporta costi aggiuntivi per te.
Cosa sono le Offerte pre-asta?
Offerte pre-asta significa che avete la possibilità di fare offerte prima dell'inizio ufficiale dell'asta.
Verrà comunicato se si è il miglior offerente o meno all'inizio dell'asta.
Problema con l'offerta
Le offerte sono contrattualmente vincolanti. Per tutelare l'utente, sono previste alcune regole nel caso in cui si ritenga che sia stato digitato in modo errato. Si prega di controllare e modificare quanto inserito.