Description
A very rare motorcycle in very good running condition. It is actually a magneto racing version but I have added lights, battery and a rack, which can be removed. The magneto was rewound 18 months ago. The tyres are in good condition. I have used it on many events. The oil pump is showing its age so I add some two stroke into the petrol which works well.
The motorcycle can be viewed by arrangement.
Background to the GTP model:
"Velocette Motorcycles, the company, was originally called Veloce Ltd. Founded in 1905 as "Taylor, Gue Ltd.", it's first motorcycle was called the "Veloce". Within a year, they had renamed the company Veloce Ltd. They began producing 4-stroke motorcycles under that name. Then in 1913, they built their first 2-stroke machine & named it the "Velocette". They liked the name so much, for a second time, they again named the entire company after one of their products. Velocette had already become known for high-quality, hand-built motorcycles when it entered the 2-stroke market in 1913. The 250cc singles gained an excellent reputation rather quickly, both on the streets and at the track. In fact, they did very well at the Isle of Man TT. They pioneered several novel innovations for the time, like the throttle-controlled oil pump, all of which set Velocettes apart from other marques. They were also light, handled well & were powerful for the day. In 1930 Velocette Motorcycles had developed their H series 2-strokes to the point that they dubbed it the GTP, which they produced until 1935.
The small lightweight market showed a fair amount of interest from punters, and so many established companies turned their attention to small capacity, affordable bikes. It was very much a sporting machine built to high spec, and stood out amongst other run-of-the-mill lightweights that were on the market.
The GTP featured several updates over its two-stroke predecessors. The overhung crankshaft was replaced with a more conventional set up, and the crankcase contained a mechanical pump that drew the oil supply from a separate compartment in the petrol tank. The exposed chrome flywheel remained – a feature that really set the bike apart from the others in the Velocette pack. The Webb front fork was fitted with steering and side friction dampers, similar to those on the USS sports models.
The GTP retailed at £38, with full electric lighting equipment, electric horn and licence holder that was standard with each bike. A rear carrier was available as an optional extra for those wishing to move additional equipment. It was finished in high-quality black stove-enamel paint with gold leaf detail, and the easy starting GTP could top out at 56mph, with a cruise speed of 50mph – not bad for a small 250!
The GTP continued in production until 1946 and received minor updates to the spec along the way. 1932 was a key year, where the GTP was updated with pumped lubrication controlled by the throttle. This resulted in a more metered flow into the engine; wide throttle settings gave more oil and low settings gave less, resulting in a cleaner running, more efficient engine. The three-speed hand-change box was also replaced in 1932 with a four-speed positive-stop foot-change gearbox with an adjustable lever to suit the foot size of the rider.
The GTP was one of those bikes that broke the mould. It doubled up as a ride-to-work mount, and one that could compete in local trials competition."The Velocette GTP 250 twin port 2 strokes are becoming harder to find especially in this condition.
