Velocette Spring-heeled Jack

First registered in May 1927, the motorcycle was a one-off built for Alec Bennett, the factory's number one rider, and was unsuccessfully tried in the practice sessions of the 1928 Isle of Man TT.

From the rear fork-ends, two seat-stays were pivoted and connected to the sprung part of the frame below the saddle by a system of links and spindles incorporating two coil springs.

During the Isle of Man TT practice in 1928, two fast laps were attempted and it was rumoured that under certain conditions the lower front ends of the swinging-fork assembly grounded and possibly the centre stand as well.

This could have been due to there being no provision for adjusting the suspension resulting in difficulty in setting the motorcycle up for riders of differing weights nor would it be possible to accommodate pillion loads.

Spring-heeled Jack remained at the factory and it was apparently used by Charles Udall of the Velocette Development Department until it was purchased and used for daily transport by Fred Teague.

This assumption is made based on some family photographs showing the bike and the attire being worn by Fred and his friends when on holiday travelling, it is believed, in Cornwall and Devon.

Mr Teague originally bought the bike from Charles Udall (Velocettes Design Team), after being told about it by a friend of his who was foreman in the engine build department.