1960 Velocette Venom

Lot details
Registration No: 203 RE
Frame No: RS13722
Engine No: VR2559
cc: 500
MOT Expiry Date: None

During 1956 Velocette introduced a pair of sporting singles 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", a US market machine introduced the previous year 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.
The machine offered was purchased by the vendor in June 1993, the machine previously having been campaigned at Thruxton, at which time it was fitted with a cut away fuel tank and an Amal Monobloc. The engine number indicates that it left the factory as a 350 Viper. The vendor wished to use the machine on the road and entrusted it to Simon Goodman of Goodman engineering with instructions to return the machine to road legal "Clubman" trim, at which time new forks were fitted together with touring handlebars. Inspection revealed a number of issues necessitating a full rebuild of the engine and gearbox and the replacement of items such as the wheel bearings, the work eventually being complete in 1996. It was returned to Goodman Engineering in 1997 for a service and again in 1999 when new wheels and tyres were fitted and the electrical system was uprated to twelve volts. Since then it has recorded approximately 1,300 miles and was last Mot'd in 2005, subsequently been stored in a dehumidified garage. The vendors two wheeled interest is now focused on another marque prompting his decision to sell this machine which he describes as being in good condition throughout, the only known defect being a shrunken cork in the fuel tap. It is offered with a Swansea V5C and a dating certificate.