This interesting hybrid was built in the 1980’s using a Pat French Metisse frame and a 500cc Velocette Venom engine dated to 1958. Created to resemble the bike that was ridden by Bill Mercer in the Manx GP of 1968 it was assembled in Germany and kept there until being returned and re registered here in the UK as a 1958 Velocette. Fitted with genuine Ceriani GP forks and Koni rear shocks it has Yamaha TZ brakes front and rear, the front is a magnificent four leading shoe unit. The fuel tank is beautifully hand crafted in aluminium, sculpted to fit round the cylinder head on the right hand side. The engine itself includes stronger (ribbed) crankcases; Viper cylinder head; Thruxton cylinder barrel and con-rod; Omega piston; alloy pushrod tube (Seymour); Dell’Orto carb; enlarged inlet port; coil valve springs with alloy collars; external oil filter and an overhauled BTH 12V magneto. A new clutch thrust bearing complete with rollers has also been fitted.
Having been unused as part of a private collection this unique and handsome motorcycle has just been refurbished and had a full service and check over in our own work shop and is now ready for the road.
