1964 Velocette 192cc Vogue, Frame no. 24037 Engine no. 6452/3

1964 Velocette 192cc Vogue
Frame no. 24037
Engine no. 6452/3
In business since 1905, and manufacturing motorcycles under the Velocette name from 1913 onward, the Goodman family concern prospered thereafter, initially with two strokes, and also later with four-strokes, particularly the overhead-cam variety.

Launched in October 1948, as the 'motorcycle for everyman' Velocette's LE (nick-named 'noddy bike' after use by the British police force) addressed the criticisms most-often levelled at motorcycles – that they were noisy, dirty, and needed special clothing to ride – achieving impressive levels of silence, comfort and practicality. Being a 149cc four-stroke, water-cooled, flat twin, side valve, shaft drive and monocoque chassis all at the same time could be seen as perverse, but Velocette had never been a company to exactly follow the herd. Announced in 1963, the 4-speed, 192cc Vogue was a little late to the party of enclosed machines, and being expensive to produce, always struggled to find a market. Sadly, its arrival coincided with the start of the scooter boom which did not help it.

Nevertheless, and perhaps inspired by Ariel's successful Leader, it was equipped with a new tube frame and distinctive twin-headlamp fairing, the Vogue handled well and was quieter, though no quicker, than its forebear. Production ceased in 1968. One of only 381 of its kind manufactured, this Vogue is first recorded on a UK registration document (August 9, 2007) with a Bill Little of Swindon, Wiltshire on UK license plate GHU 561B. It was purchased at auction from the Dennis Brunning Collection after a full restoration had been undertaken. Today this delightful Vogue remains in truly excellent condition.