Velocette motorbike donated to Lakeland Motor Museum

The 1967 Velocette MSS 500cc, known for its quality and endurance has been donated in memory of Ken Ogilvie's late sister who lived in the Lake District for 35 years.

Mr Ogilvie, from Southwell in Nottinghamshire, bought the motorbike in 1977 for £500 when he returned home from one of his trips home after working overseas in Africa.

The restoration was low on his list of priorities but with the help of Geoff Dodkin, a Velocette expert, the pair restored it to its former glory, which enabled him to ride it for over 30 years.

“I was a trainee-chartered accountant at that time with very little money, so buying a car was not an option,” said Mr Ogilvie.

“My first bike was a 1957, 350cc Velocette MAC. It was an absolute rust heap but reliably took me around for a few years.

“As any Velocette owner will know, it wasn’t easy finding parts, but over the years, we set about bringing it back to its original condition.”

Mr Ogilvie and his family decided the bike should go to a museum when it proved harder for him to manage, as well as the danger of the motorbike being stripped down for parts.

Over the years, his family visited his sister Chrissy in Grange where they frequently took trips to the Lakeland Museum.

“My poor old knees are not as strong as they used to be, so kickstarting the machine became a bit difficult if you didn’t fire it the first time,” he said.

“Chrissy was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died last year. My family and I felt it would be a fitting tribute to donate the motorbike to the Lakeland Motor Museum in her memory.”

The Curator of Lakeland Motor Museum Chris Lowe said: “We really appreciate Ken’s generosity in donating the Velocette motorcycle for the enjoyment of our visitors.

“It is an excellent example of the Classic British motorbike and shows the fine engineering and craftsmanship the firm was known for.

“It is a welcome addition to our display of 60 vintage, veteran, classic and modern motorcycles.”