Velocette MAC
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| Manufacturer | Velocette |
|---|---|
| Production | 1946–59 |
| Predecessor | Velocette MOV |
| Successor | Velocette MSS |
| Engine | 349 cc (21.3 cu in), OHV air-cooled single |
| Transmission | Four-speed chain final drive |
| Brakes | Front: 7-inch sls drum Rear: 6-inch sls drum |
| Tires | Front: 3.25 x 19 Rear: 3.50 x 19 |
| Wheelbase | 50.25 in (1,276 mm) |
| Seat height | 27.5 in (700 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.5 imp gal (11 l; 3.0 US gal) |
The Velocette MAC is a British motorcycle made by Velocette. A reliable single-cylinder, the MAC coped well with the low-grade post war petrol and was a popular commuter and touring motorcycle. Although they started as innovators, Velocette failed to keep pace with developing technology and production ended in 1959.
The first version of the Velocette MAC was launched in 1933 and was developed from the overhead valve Velocette MOV 250cc, which suffered from reliability problems. The single-cylinder engine was enlarged 349 cc and could comfortably reach 75 mph (121 km/h). The early MAC weighed 280 lb (130 kg) and had girder front forks. The Velocette MAC was launched in 1933 and had a 350 cc single-cylinder engine which could reach 75 mph (121 km/h).
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. As well as British observers there were also representatives of the French Army present. The tests were successful but a number of modifications were suggested and in 1940 the Velocette MAC was modified into a military specification. Velocette's first order for the military version was from the French Government but the contract for 1,200 motorcycles was cancelled and only a few were delivered before the French were overrun by the advancing German Army. The British War Department asked for some further modifications and took over the French order in June 1940. The Velocette was designated the MAC (WD), the WD coming from "War Department", although it was often referred to as the MDD as this was the prefix for the serial numbers.
The MAC (WD) had an upgraded clutch and the pressed-steel front brake drum was replaced by cast iron fittings which became standard for the later MAC models, due to the shortage of aluminium which was needed for aircraft manufacture. Other modifications included a protective shield bolted to the frame over the crankcase. A strong carrying rack replaced the rear pillion seat and the headlamp was masked to comply with blackout regulations.
The MDD could cope well with battlefield conditions, but Velocette's limited production facilities meant it was a difficult to keep up production and by September 1942 the MDD order was cancelled and the factory turned over to other War work. As there were a fairly small number in service both the Velocette MAC (WD) and the improved MAF were largely used by British-based forces, including the Fire Service and Civil Defence organisations, as well as the Royal Air Force.
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