1959 Velocette 499cc Venom, Frame no. RS14671 Engine no. VM 4197

1959 Velocette 499cc Venom
Frame no. RS14671
Engine no. VM 4197
Introduced in 1956, the Venom sports roadster was derived from the touring MSS. The latter disappeared from the range in 1948, reappearing in 1954 with a new swinging-arm frame and telescopic fork. The engine too was up-dated, changing to 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 86x86mm and gaining an alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. Engine development pursued as part of the scrambles program bore fruit in 1956 in the shape of the high-performance Venom and its 350cc sibling, the Viper. The MSS frame and forks were retained for the newcomers, but full-width alloy hubs were adopted to boost braking power and smart chromed mudguards fitted to enhance the models' sporting image. Manufactured until the end of Velocette production in 1971, the Venom represents the final glorious flowering of the traditional British sports single, and today these supremely well-engineered thoroughbreds are highly sought after.

UK registration OTK 738 first came to the USA in 2004. In the accompanying paperwork was some evidence that the bike had spent time in Geoff Dodkin's Richmond Road, London shop. Further, when the bike was dismantled for a full rebuild, the GD initials were found stamped on the bottom of the Thruxton cylinder head. The Amal MkII carburetor installed was to the exact Dodkin specification. The Alton electric starter and alternator, together with new Thruxton rears sets and clip-ons, and front fender, were recently fitted along with a restored genuine Avonaire-built Veeline fairing from a 1964 Venom Clubman which went to Puerto Rico when new.

OTK 738 is a rare find...an attractive, carefully upgraded and functioning Venom, well presented.