Velocette 1966 Thruxton 499cc 1 cyl OHV 3501

Velocette 1966 “Thruxton” 499cc OHV Frame # RS19078 Engine # VMT 304 Gearbox # 12-11876

The Truxton, designed in 1965 by Bertie Goodman, was almost an instant legend after a series of impressive results on various racing tracks, where its average speed often exceeded 100 mph. The name referred to the former RAF airfield north of Southampton, where since the early fifties motorcycle races were held and where in 1968 a proper racing circuit was established. The high performance production racer, which was also sold over the counter in road going version, was a perfect choice for both the fast touring enthusiast and the racing buff. In 1965 the 500 mile race (held at Castle Comb that year) was won and two years later two Thruxtons gained first and second places in the Production TT that was first staged at the Isle of Man that year. Standard equipment on the Truxton were rearward placed footrests and brake and gear pedals, close-ratio four speed gearbox, aluminium wheel rims, duplex front brake and John Tickle clip-ons. Output was a healthy 41 bhp, 5 more than the Venom. The machine could be bought in two colour combinations, the traditional black with gold lining or the more exotic version with blue frame, forks and seat and silver tank with gold lining. In all, slightly more than 1100 Thruxtons were manufactured between 1965 and 1971, when the company folded. Specifications: single cylinder OHV with pushrods, bore x stroke 86×86, compression ratio 9:1, 1 3/8 inch Amal GP carb, dry sump lubrication, magneto ignition, dynamo 6 volt 60 Watts, wet multi-plate clutch, 41 bhp@6200 rpm, top speed 172 km/h.

According to accompanying Thruxton Machine Register information this particular example was dispatched from the factory on February 22, 1966 to the dealer Tun Motors of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The first owner was a Mr A.W. Bailey from Tunbridge Wells. The frame appears to be an early factory replacement, it’s about half a year younger than the engine. In 1989 the Velo moved to Turin in Italy and in 2002 a further move was made to The Netherlands, where she is currently registered.

This well-sorted Thruxton comes with Smiths 180 km speedo and 8000 rpm rev counter, Dunlop alloy rims, Alton electric starter, competition magneto with electronic ignition, Amal Concentric carb, John Tickle front brake (original), Axtmann primary case and Seymour rocker modification with springs. The engine has been overhauled some time ago by Seymour, all internals are marked with job number V483.