1966 Velocette 499cc Venom Thruxton Registration no. HDB 14D Frame no. RS18881 Engine no. VMT 396 'Prestige machine of the pushrod range was the Venom Thruxton 500. It incorporated all the accumulated experience gained in the years the Venom Clubman has been raced in long-distance events, plus the development of the 12 and 24-hour record breaker.' - C E A 'Titch' Allen, The Velocette Saga. Production race successes, notably in the Thruxton 500 Mile event prompted Veloce Ltd to adopt that name for their newly introduced top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1964. Based on the existing Venom, the Thruxton featured a tuned engine with revised big-valve cylinder head, Amal GP carburettor, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footrests and a twin-leading-shoe front brake as standard equipment. Although the Thruxton took its name from the eponymous Hampshire racing circuit, arguably its finest hour came in 1967 when Manxman Neil Kelly won the '500' class in the Isle of Man TT's Production race, newly introduced for that year. Although much admired by the café racing fraternity, the Thruxton's necessarily high price limited its appeal to a select handful of wealthy connoisseurs. It is thought that as few as 1,100 were made by the factory (with a further 55-60 assembled from parts by main dealers) and today the Thruxton is one of the most sought-after of post-war Velocettes. The private vendor purchased this Thruxton in 2008 and advises us that it has undergone engine and gearbox work including a new big-end, new crankshaft main bearings, new piston and clutch plates together with new gears. The front brake was fitted with new liners and was skimmed by Rudge legend Mervyn Stratford. Also fitted are John Tickle headlamp brackets and a Seymour front mudguard stays, and the machine comes with a Seymour seat. Accompanying documentation consists of a Velocette Thruxton Machine Register dating letter confirming matching numbers; a photocopy of the factory ledger; a dating certificate from Grove Classics; a quantity of expired MoTs; an HPI report; and old/current V5C registration Certificates. Key not required Footnotes: BUYER'S PREMIUM The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter. All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation. REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles. To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio. To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing