1959 Velocette Venom (Clubman tribute)

Registration No: SDP 603
Frame No: VMRS 12314
MOT: Exempt

• Period race history
• Single-family ownership until 2023
• Restored with Clubman parts
• Family-owned until 2023 and raced in period

The family-owned firm of Veloce Ltd. made motorcycles under the Velocette name in Hall Green, Birmingham, from 1905 to 1971 and sold almost as many hand-built motorcycles during its heyday as the likes of Triumph and Norton. Although small, it was a great technical innovator and many of its patented designs are commonplace on motorcycles today including the positive-stop foot shift and swinging-arm rear suspension with hydraulic dampers. The 500cc single-cylinder Venom arguably marked the zenith of Velocette production – produced from 1955 to 1970, in 1961 an example set a 24-hour world record, lapping Montlhéry at an average of 100.05mph. No other 500cc machine has ever bettered the feat. The more race-oriented Clubman model was introduced in 1960 with Amal TT carburettors, manual BTH racing magneto, close-ratio gearbox and 9.3:1 compression ratio.

This 1959 Venom has been in a single family for most of its life, only being sold to the vendor in 2023. The previous owner’s brother was the first owner, and he raced it enthusiastically at club events at Castle Combe, Thruxton and Brands Hatch. The previous owner inherited it after his brother’s death and commissioned its restoration, which was undertaken by the now-vendor, a well-known concours winner. The work was completed to a superb standard, and the bike was upgraded with Clubman parts. Since completion, it has been used sparingly and was notably featured in The Classic Motorcycle in May, 2012. In the vendor’s ownership, the tank has been repainted in the familiar black and gold livery. It has been fired up regularly but has not been on the road since last year. The sale includes the current V5C, the magazine article and many MOT certificates and workshop manuals.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217