c.1939 Velocette 495cc MSS
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. MS 5958
Engine no. MSS 4113

The third of Velocette's overhead-valve, high-camshaft, single-cylinder designs, the 500cc MSS was announced in 1935. The first of these new models had been the 250cc MOV of 1933, which was joined for 1934 by a long-stroke 350cc version - the MAC. In creating the MSS, Veloce kept to the basic design, combining the MAC's 96mm stroke with a larger bore to create its new '500'. The MSS engine went into a new frame derived from that of the racing KTT. The model disappeared from Veloce Limited's range in 1948 while the company concentrated on the LE, reappearing in 1954 with a new swinging-arm frame and Hall Green's own telescopic front fork. The engine too was updated, gaining 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 86x86mm along with an alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. In this, its final form, the MSS continued alongside the sporting Viper and Venom models until production ceased in 1970, though by then sales has slowed to a trickle. It is not known when this incomplete pre-war MSS was acquired for the collection. There are no documents with this Lot, which is offered for restoration.