A tiny British manufacturer, Velocette was a family-owned firmed that was well-known for creating high quality bikes. With 3 decades of successful international racing experience, and (still-standing) record for a single-cylinder bike running 24 hours at 100 miles per hour, they brought many technical innovations to the world, including a swingarm rear suspension with hydraulic dampers. One of their more successful bikes (especially in the export market) was the Velocette MSS, grandfather to the Viper and Venom.
The MSS was introduced in 1935 and helped usher in the “M” series of bikes for Velocette, along with the MAC. The MSS got a 500cc engine and a heavier frame developed from a racing machine that was built with the intention of offering sidecar capability. The engine produced 23 horsepower. With a weight of 375 pounds, the MSS was capable of hitting 80. Want to learn more? Check out RealClassic for an excellent writeup about the ins and outs of riding (and owning) a MSS. And just look at that exhaust!
This specific Velocette MSS won Best of Show at the 2012 Route 66 Motorshow, and apparently received $35k worth of work in a 5 year restoration. The seller says it’s one of the finest original (how is it original if there was a 5 year restoration?) MSS Sports left in existence. It comes with British paperwork and the seller says he/she can get you a US title for $250. Find it for sale in Flagstaff, Arizona with bidding up to $10,000