1960 Velocette Viper, 350cc. Registration number 716 KVK. Fr...

Hammer

£1,700

1960 Velocette Viper, 350cc. Registration number 716 KVK. Frame number RS 14048. Engine number VR2221.
Sold with the V5C, V5, VE60 and a large detailed history folder.
Engine development pursued as part of the Velocette factory's scrambles programme 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. In 1960 'Clubman' versions of both were introduced, minus the enclosure panels of the standard models, which featured a raised compression ratio, Amal TT carburettor, 'racing' magneto, rear-set footrests and a close-ratio gearbox among many other improvements. Produced until the end of Velocette production in 1971, the Venom/Viper in its various guises represents the final glorious flowering of the traditional British sports single.
KVK has a VE60 stating its engine to be a 500cc MSS in Durham in the early 1970's, with its owner being Leslie Witten and then Donald Green. Our vendor bought it from him in 1985 as a retirement project. This was started in 2006 and the correct Viper 350cc engine VR2221 was fitted, over his ownership he has kept a detailed record of all works undertaken, including overhauling the magneto in 2014 and wiring loom in 2016. Since the restoration he has covered some 7,954 miles.
It should be noted that both the oil and fuel have been drained and that the frame and tinware are hand painted.