Lot 507: 1924 Velocette 250cc Model B3

Veloce Ltd. graduated from cycle manufacture to motorcycle production, commencing in 1905 and initially producing a series of lightweight machines. Prior to the heady days of the all-conquering K-Type machines introduced in the 1920�s, Velocette had concentrated between 1913 and 1925 on a range of high quality and indeed expensive two-stroke lightweights. Although essentially road bikes, Velocette�s two-strokes enjoyed some competition success, notably on The Isle of Man. Refinements, not generally seen on their competitors� bikes, included such things as throttle-controlled oil pumps and coil ignition was introduced at an early stage. Although the two-strokes were overshadowed by the K-Type Velocettes, two-stroke production continued through to the GTP models of the 1930�s. This Model B3 was first registered in Cumberland on 27th May 1924 and in 1946 was owned by one John Cornthwaite of Wasdale, Cumbria, passing in 1959 to a Workington owner and then in the 1962 to The Potter Collection. It appears to be to original specification in all major respects and is equipped with a Leckie leather saddle, bulb horn (lacking bulb), M-L magneto, luggage carrier and �tower style� rear lamp. It enjoys the benefit of a three-speed, hand-change gearbox. The tax disc displayed on the machine suggests it was last used in 1963 and this B3 will therefore benefit from the usual careful recommissioning. It is offered with an old style buff logbook from 1946 and a Swansea V5C registration document.