IMMACULATE BLACK This immaculate 1937 Velocette KSS, 350cc overhead cam machine was sold new by McIver & Veitch of Dunedin, New Zealand. Spending its entire life in and around the beautiful terrain of Southland, the KSS has had a three owners, been well utilised and much loved. It is a machine with real charisma and high local repute.Its pre-war history is unknown – many machines of this quality were commandeered for communication runs. However, post-war records are much clearer. Returning from service in the European theatre of war, Mr Ian Shand, who became a partner in McIver & Veitch, acquired the KSS and considered this to be his machine of choice. Extremely well weighted with strong constant power delivery, the 350 overhead cam configuration provided three essential qualities any classic machine requires: high speed, economy and wickedly good looks. It was also Mr Shand who modified the tank to ensure he could ride the Dunedin to Christchurch line without stopping. Legend has it, this run was undertaken regularly to spend quality time with a particular ‘la femme’.In the early 1950s, the late Mr Bissland bought the machine, brought it back to its original glory and then, again, put the KSS to task as his primary mode of transport. He later sold it to Mr Stephen McGee who then gave the machine to Mr Jack Pegg who finally sold it back to Mr Bissland in a rather rundown state. Mr Bissland again poured his love and energy back into the bike and again faithfully restored it to its original condition. He rode the KSS for another 30 years.At some stage, it appears Mr Bissland decided to restore the machine once more and initiated the strip-down of the machine. Unfortunately, the sands of time prohibited the completion of Mr Bissland’s third undertaking. Sitting dormant for some 15 years as a box of well-worn parts, the bike came into the possession of the current owner who, with the help of the late Barney Graham (formerly a Velocette mechanic for McIver and Veitch and KSS owner himself), restored and checked the engine and gearbox, and fitted new old-stock cylinder heads along with several other new parts, all of which are fully documented. Bill Veitch refurbished the wheels and advised on many key junctures during the restoration. The beautiful paintwork was applied by Dave at ABFX, while Grove Classic (UK) supplied all quality sundry small parts. A new Amal carburettor (to original specifications) and jetting also came from the UK maker, along with the new and correct exhaust system. Overall, it has taken ten years to complete this remarkable project. The gentlemen whose patience and expertise allowed this wonderful example of 1930s’ speed design to once again shine must be celebrated. It is their expertise that is the rarest commodity of all when it comes to classic bikes. For me, this bike offers all that a great machine needs, including a long riding history and multiple restorations. This last point should not be missed – the fact this machine has been restored three times indicates that its engineering pedigree ensured it was capable of riding hard forever – without doubt, this KSS will go on to outride all its masters.