1967 Bultaco TSS 250 Type 41
Raced when new by Barry Sheene

Registration No: Un-Registered
Frame No: 600661
MOT: Exempt

• Imported new by Frank Sheene in November, 1967
• Originally a chain-drive machine converted when new to gear-drive
• Raced by the then-novice Barry Sheene and Dave Croxford throughout
• Campaigned through the 1970s by the late Brian Richards of BRD Racing
• Just four owners from new

Along with Montesa, Bultaco was one of the two great Spanish manufacturers of the post-war era, both specialising in lightweight two-stroke competition machines. The Bultaco TSS was built for road-racing and in that rôle it proved highly competitive. This gear-driven TSS 250 was imported new in November, 1967, by Frank Sheene, the celebrated bike-builder and tuner whose son needs no introduction. Tony Dawson, who also raced Bultacos in the 1960s, has advised that it was part of a chain-drive batch that was converted to gear-drive either at the request of Frank Sheene, or by Sheene himself after it landed in England. A number of firms offered gear-drive conversions at the time.

The TSS then had a very active season in 1968, being raced by the then-novice Barry Sheene with Dave Croxford, before Frank sold it in 1969 or 1970. Brian Richards of BRD Racing was the owner throughout the 1970s, and he campaigned it extensively, keeping it until 1985 when he sold it to the previous owner. At the time, it was said to still be in “factory condition.”

The new owner maintained it in running order, and made a few changes and improvements, including fitting a Dell’Orto carburettor, adopting a lower first-gear ratio for easier starting, and replacing the gearbox main shaft with one splined at the clutch end. It also has Selletra ignition. Those changes aside, the bike remained in very original condition until it was sold viâ us to the present owner in 2020, and he, too, has kept it in its preserved state – even the paint on the frame is original. Later claims to fame have included appearing in the 2014 BBC documentary Racing Legends, where it was ridden by Vic Reeves, and being exhibited at the Silverstone Experience in 2020. A remarkable survivor with just four owners from new, this Bultaco would make a wonderful addition to any collection of racing bikes, or it could even be ripe for a return to historic racing.

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