Description
Velocette MSS 1937 495 cc OHV frame# 3627 engine # MSS 2550
The firm of Veloce Ltd. was formed in 1905 by Johann Goodman.
It was a family business that concentrated on sound motorcycle engineering principles.
Their first machines were lightweight four strokes; after that a line of top-class 250 cc two strokes was brought out. In 1924/ 25 Percy Goodman designed the 350 cc overhead camshaft model K, a machine destined to win many TTs and other races, starting with the 1926 Junior TT that was won by Alec Bennett, who finished ten minutes ahead of the second placeman.
The model KSS ( K for overhead camshaft, SS for super sports) first appeared in 1925.
It had a power output of about 19 HP at 5,800 rpm.
From the KSS the successful KTT was developed, this was the first over-the-counter production racer to become available to the general public.
In 1933 the company brought out the first of the OHV “M” series, the 250 cc MOV. Soon this model was followed by the 349 cc MAC.
In 1935 a 500cc model, the MSS, was marketed.
The MOV and MSS models were discontinued in 1948.
The MAC stayed in production till 1960.
New features for the 1937 MSS were an automatic advance and retard mechanism for the ignition and a knock-out rear spindle.
The machine has a four speed gearbox and completely enclosed valve gear.
A notable feature of the OHV Velocettes is the high placed camshaft, which made it possible to employ very short push rods.
This MSS is a well-sorted older restoration.