Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Importers

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1960s Velocette Thruxton 500 Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Velocette Thruxton (circa 1965–1971) was the factory’s ultimate 500 cc single, developed from the Venom/Viper line for high-speed endurance and production racing. Hand-finished cylinder heads, big-valve tuning, close ratios and clip-on ergonomics made genuine Thruxtons fast, rare and costly when new. Today the UK market distinguishes clearly between factory-built Thruxtons (documented frame/engine sequences and Thruxton-specific parts) and conversions/replicas created from Venom or Venom Clubman donors; the latter remain desirable riders but command lower prices. Originality, paperwork and correctness drive most of the value spread.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and type)

Condition	Genuine Factory Thruxton (1965–1971)	Conversions / Replicas (period or later)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; may lack Thruxton head, carbs or original clocks; full rebuild required	£8,000 – £14,000	£4,500 – £7,500	Anglia Car Auctions – classic bike lots; eBay UK completed listings
Roadworthy / Presentable Running and usable; some patina or mixed fasteners; largely correct but not concours	£16,000 – £22,000	£8,500 – £12,500	Manor Park Classics – motorcycle results; Vintagebike.co.uk classifieds archive
Restored / Excellent Very original survivor or high-quality restoration; matching numbers; correct Thruxton top-end, tank, clip-ons and instruments	£24,000 – £32,000+	£13,000 – £18,000	Bonhams – motorcycle auctions; Iconic Auctioneers – sale archives; The Saleroom – multi-house results

Notes: Documented UK-supplied Thruxtons with factory records and continuous history sit at the top of each bracket. Conversions with correct-spec parts can approach lower-end factory prices, but lack of provenance caps values. Non-standard tanks, seats or bars reduce appeal unless original items accompany the sale.

Value Influencing Factors

• Authenticity & documentation: Factory Thruxton frame/engine sequences, build sheets, and matching-numbers proof command major premiums.
• Correct parts: Thruxton cylinder head, big Amal GP/Concentric carb (model-dependent), clip-ons, Smiths instruments, rearsets, correct alloy tank and seat unit.
• Mechanical health: Top-end wear, big-end condition, oiling, magneto/ignition and clutch; race gearing vs. road usability affects buyer pool.
• Restoration quality: Period-correct finishes/hardware and accurate decals beat showy polish; over-restored bikes can underperform.
• Provenance: Period competition history, club-raced paperwork or magazine features lift values if the bike remains road-usable.
• Market timing: Spring/summer retail is strongest; winter offers better opportunities on projects and track-focused examples.

Conclusion

The UK market pays decisively for authenticity. Factory Thruxtons in project state trade around £8–14k, usable roadworthy examples achieve £16–22k, and restored/collector-grade machines make £24–32k+ with top money for matching numbers and full documentation. Conversions/replicas remain popular riders: projects at £4.5–7.5k, roadworthy at £8.5–12.5k, and well-executed builds around £13–18k, with originality and correct parts determining where they sit in the range.

Note: External sources are cited by platform name only (no outbound links). Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from sale records at the time of writing.

All Valuations