1949 Works Velocette 500cc DOHC Pictures
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Best known for their 350cc racing machines, Veloce did produce a few 500cc bikes both before and after WWII.
This machine is one of only two 500 machines produced by the factory in 1949. They had the same DOHC layout as the new 350ccs which went on to achieve great success in the hands of Freddie Frith and Bob Foster.
Designed from scratch by Bertie Goodman with his father Percy, the new engines had little in common with the pre-war ones. Apparently very hard to set up, the 500s were never really completely developed. By 1949, other manufacturers were using telescopic forks and lighter frames making it quite remarkable that the 350cc DOHC machines achieved such good results winning the world championship in 1949 and 1950. Ernie Lyons was placed 3rd in the 1949 Senior TT on one of the 500cc machines.
