A reliable single-cylinder, the MAC coped well with the low-grade post war petrol and was a popular commuter and touring motorcycle.

[2] In October 1939 a Velocette MAC was purchased by the British War Office Army Mechanisation Experimental Establishment (MEE) at Cove in Hampshire for testing its suitability for military use.

The tests were successful but a number of modifications were suggested and in 1940 the Velocette MAC was modified into a military specification.

A strong carrying rack replaced the rear pillion seat[5] and the headlamp was masked to comply with blackout regulations.

[5] A myth persists that a large consignment of Velocette MAC (WD) intended for use in France was lost in the English Channel while being delivered.

[citation needed] The Velocette MAF had the foot gear change mechanism reversed to make it the same as the other military motorcycles in use at the time.