Beschreibung:

Many-times British sidecar champion Colin Seeley bought Associated Motor Cycles' racing department when the company went into receivership in 1966. The previous year he had constructed the first Seeley racing frame to house a Matchless G50 engine, and the AMC purchase enabled him to produce complete Seeley G50 and AJS 7R-engined machines. With their improved frames, the ageing four-stroke singles enjoyed renewed competitiveness, Dave Croxford winning the British 500 Championship on a Seeley G50 in 1968 and '69. Another prominent Seeley exponent was John Blanchard, who was offered rides on the works' 350cc and 500cc Seeleys. On the 350 Seeley John finished 3rd first time out at the Brands Hatch International in 1966 and at that year's Isle of Man TT placed 4th in the Senior race and 6th in the Junior event. At international level he won at Mettet in Belgium on the 500 Seeley and also rode in selected Grands Prix. At the Isle of Man TT in 1967 John lapped at over 100mph on the 500 Seeley only to suffer a broken primary chain while in 3rd place. In 1968 John prepared his own Seeleys and the following year he was sponsored by Bill Chuck Motorcycles. At that year's North West 200 John won the 500cc race, breaking lap and race records. This particular Seeley was sold new to John Blanchard in May 1969 and comes with the original bill of sale, which Colin Seeley has confirmed incorrectly lists the frame number as 'Mk2/20'. John has thoughtfully provided a detailed breakdown of its specification; too lengthy to fully reproduce here, it nevertheless is available for inspection. Specification highlights include a 'works' engine obtained via Tom Arter and originally prepared by Bob Newby, while the gearbox is a magnesium-cased six-speed unit supplied and serviced by Summerfield Engineering. Not yet run-in, the engine has done less than 100 kilometres since being completely overhauled by Dietmar Fette of Braunschweig, Germany, who has been preparing John's engines for the past ten years. Components specially produced to John's own specification include the fairing and seat, which were manufactured by Bill Roberts, and the 1967-pattern fuel and oil tanks, which were fabricated by John Pearson (Weldatank). Other noteworthy features include Richard Hunt magnesium fork sliders and top/bottom yokes; American-made Works shock absorbers; Bob Newby belt primary drive and clutch; exhaust and handlebars made by Larry Swann; and Boyer Bransden electronic ignition. John has just acquired a twin-cylinder Paton Grand Prix racer and feels that now is the time to thin out his collection, hence the Seeley is offered for sale.