1960 Velocette Venom

Lot details
Registration No: WBB 314
Frame No: RS15046
Engine No: V6010
cc: 500
MOT Expiry Date: None

The Venom can trace its origins back to 1933 when Velocette introduced a new overhead valve 250cc single designed by Eugene Goodman in response to the tough economic climate. The new model typed the MOV was quickly joined by a 350cc version, the MAC and a 495cc version typed the MSS in 1935. The three machines quickly established themselves and helped Velocette survive the turbulent years leading up to the outbreak of the Second World War. The return of peace in 1945 also saw the return of the MSS with production continuing until 1948 when it, along with its smaller siblings were withdrawn from the market to allow Velocette to concentrate their production efforts on the newly unveiled LE, unfortunately the LE never achieved the level of success hoped for prompting the return of first the MAC and then the MSS in 1954. The revised MSS retained the traditional brazed frame construction but was now equipped with pivoted fork rear springing and revised, square engine dimensions of 86 x 86mm instead of the 81 x 96mm longstroke dimensions previously employed. 1955 witnessed the introduction of a pair of off road orientated MSS models aimed at the North American market and named the "Scrambler" and "Endurance" which differed from the former in having a lighting set. Both featured tuned engines breathing through an Amal TT9 carburettor with ignition being provided by a BTH racing magneto. Although the two off road machines achieved little impact in the UK they did anticipate the introduction of a sporting 500cc roadster and a smaller sibling during 1956 in the form of the Venom and Viper, development having commenced in October 1955 under Charles Udall direction. The two new machines retained the MSS bottom end that had proved capable of dealing with the extra power output of the "Scrambler" and adopted a bi-metal "Al-fin" cylinder and alloy head. The compression ratio was higher when compared to the MSS and a larger carburettor was fitted. The Venom's (and Viper's) frame was the same as that employed by the MSS although the front brake changed to a 7 ½ inch version. Cosmetically the new models benefitted from a chromium plated fuel tank and mudguards complimented by either black or green paintwork. The Venom quickly established itself as a rival to the Gold Star and was joined in 1960 by a "Clubman" version that benefitted from the company's production racing experience and would ultimately lead to the introduction of the Thruxton.
This example, which requires running in, was, in the words of the vendor, " a bit of a mess when I bought it" having been found in a ditch! The machines condition today is a testament both to Mr Banks skills as a restorer and the quality of the Velocette product. The engine and gearbox internals were all renewed during the restoration which took place during 2009 and the magneto has been rewound. Described as "a beautiful restoration that rides perfectly" it is offered without registration documents but is accompanied by a dating certificate.