Beschreibung:

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. This particular 1960 MSS has an interesting story, being one of a pair delivered to the Australian Army for evaluation purposes. Seen as a potential successor to the longstanding WLA Harley-Davidson used by the Army's dispatch riders, trials proved the MSS wasn't suitable and the BSA B44 was adopted instead. After being advertised in the Melbourne newspaper 'The Age' in 1964, Leo Andrews purchased the MSS from the Army auctions in Tottenham, Victoria and it has formed part of his collection ever since. Although started and ridden regularly, the bike has never been restored or registered and remains in a remarkably well preserved state with only 2,777 miles on the clock. With the second ex-Army MSS now converted to civilian configuration, this bike is a unique piece of Australian motorcycling history.