Velocette KTP of 1930/1931.
Helpful members of the forum confirmed my thoughts on the identity of this fine motorcycle. The twin downpipes just about visible in a second photograph that came with this one, revealed that the machine is a circa 1930 Velocette KTP (tp = twin port) motorcycle, a 348cc OHC model included within the K-Series range, and built for just two years. This chap looks jolly pleased with his motorcycle. The bike's registration was VE 4833, suggesting an early life spent cruising the roads of Cambridgeshire.
|
| (Please click the thumbnail to view full-size image.) |
|
|
|
The KTP of 1930 and 1931 was fitted with 6 volt Miller electrics as standard. The K Series first made an appearance in the early 1920s, and gave Veloce Ltd some great publicity thanks to many successes in Isle of Man TT races, hence the transfers celebrating their TT activities placed on the fuel tank of K-Series motorcycles. Whereas the KSS and KTP were built as speed machines, the KTP was more of a touring 'bike. The twin-port design was less efficient than the single-port, so survived for just two seasons before being dropped.
|
|
The street that the Velo was photographed in isn't identified sadly, nor is the rider. There are some shops in the background, including the general store of W.H. Bass. Advertisements for Cadbury's, Capstan, Wills' Gold Flake, Park Drive and Rowntrees are in evidence. The neighbouring shop, selling costumes and shoes, can't expect to sell many garments with the curtains drawn.
|
|
Return to Page 14 in the classic & vintage vehicle photo gallery. Keen Velo fans may also be interested to see a couple of pre-war photos of a circa 1933 250cc GTP on this page, here on OCC.
|
