Page 12 - Nigel Ward and Co Catalogue 26th and 27th September 2025
P. 12
347 A circa 1968 Velocette Venom 499 cc single- 348 An A.J.S. Model 18 500 cc (498 cc) single-
cylinder, air cooled engined, pre-unit cylinder, air-cooled, overhead-valve
motorcycle finished in black, registration motorcycle engine serial No. 55/18S 27624.
number SYN 395F. Frame No. RS19466, The serial number indicates that this engine
Engine No. VM6432, gearbox No. 12 - 12598. ought to have been manufactured in 1955, it
The gearbox outer casing is present as are a has an alloy cylinder head and the valves are
number of gears, shafts and other actuated by the twin cams via push-rods
components, the engine present appears housed within external, chromium finished,
quite complete including its magneto but will push-rod tubes. This is believed to be one of
not currently turn, so some internal attention the earlier, longer stroke, engines with a bore
will be required. There is no carburettor & stroke of 82.5 mm x 93 mm. thus providing
present, neither is the distinguishing fish-tail considerable pulling torque at low revolutions.
ended silencer. A windshield and partly This engine, which is not seized and turns
damaged streamlined fairing is present, with normally, but has very good compression, was
potential for repair. The engine is of what are found in the deceased's kitchen, we suspect
termed as square dimensions with the bore for safe keeping. Looking at the condition and
and stroke both being of 86 mm. These taking the excellent compression into
machines, less than 6,000 of which were account, we believe that it had been re-built
produced, were highly regarded for their and not all of the clamshell crankcase bolts
handling, having uncommon adjustable-rate have yet been installed. These engines were
rear suspension with the upper spring/strut very similar indeed to the Matchless G80
mounting being capable of being sited in engine having been produced in the same
various positions within a curved quadrant. factory, so it may well prove that it finds a
The Venom famously, as early as 1961, set a home in a motorcycle of either of the marques.
world record by averaging in excess of 100
miles per hour over 24 hours, it is astonishing 349 A ''LUCAS RACING (Wading) MAGNETO'' for a
indeed that this record has, as yet, not been single-cylinder motorcycle engine or similar,
surpassed by any 500 cc single-cylinder serial No. NR1 42179N 11-52 / 4471, it is fitted
motorcycle. Here is the opportunity to acquire with a 17 tooth sprocket and has all the
a piece of our nation's
appearances of having been fully restored.
engineering heritage and after some This magneto was found, evidently for safe
restoration to experience what endowed these keeping, on a shelf in the deceased's living
machines' with such a highly-regarded room, it produces an impressive fat 4 mm plus
reputation. No registration document has spark, even when being flicked over slowly by
been found, but it may well, with the hand. We believe that this magneto may have
assistance of historic/classic motorcycle been destined to have been paired with the
organisations, be possible to re-allocate the A.J.S. Model 18 engine in the previous lot.
registration number. As with all motor vehicles
sold through our auctions, this machine is sold
in its current condition and all vehicles should
be inspected in person prior to bidding. N.B.
BUYERS PREMIUM ON THIS LOT 10% + V.A.T.
(Total Premium 12% plus specific on-line
bidding fees).
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