CLASSIC WORLD
This is incredibly original 1930 Scott Sprint Special was ridden by Roland Stobart in the Manx Grand Prix of that year. We love the way it looks and the fascinating story behind it
WORDS: MARK GRAHAM PHOTOS: VERRALLS
Talk about provenance. This motorcycle is surely one of the best vintage two-strokes with the most storied background you can buy. A factory machine with unimpeachable history – that also happens to be a scream to ride – does not come better than this.
Scott’s entrants for the 1930 Manx Grand Prix were Noël Mavrogordato (better known as ‘Mavro’) and Roland Stobart, who also rode a bit of speedway. Both had been ‘up’ at Cambridge University together before they visited the Scott Competition Department at the Shipley, Yorkshire factory to spec-up their ‘mounts’ for the Manx.
Mavro favoured the early singledowntube frame, despite a duplex version being available, and Stobart opted for the same. The Auto Cycle Union was heavily against thinly-disguised factory bikes entered in amateur events and the term ‘shamateur’ was coined to heap scorn on these entrants. But as with almost any form of competition, anyone serious about winning regards the rule book as merely advisory.
Both machines were converted to foot-change gearshift, while frame lugs for sidecar use remained in place to lend a hint of ‘hardly deviating from standard’ to the bikes. The huge, flared fuel and oil tanks (oil filler on the left for IoM pitlane practice of the time) must have been a slight giveaway, and the presence of well-known Scott race mechanics in the pits on Glencrutchery Road must have further incensed the ACU.
Stobart finished 15th in the Manx Senior with a race time of 3h 29m 57s at an average of 64.71mph. Mavro scored a DNF. The Stobart machine began with a 596cc engine, changed by the factory to a 498cc unit (stamped ‘SP’ for spare) All the numbers stack up and it comes with its original reg number on a V5.
Few vintage machines look better than a Scott stripped to the bone for competition use, and this is one of the most handsome you’ll see; blindingly original too. Scotts have always been undervalued, and the £27,500 Verralls are asking for this ex-Stobart gem is more than reasonable.
More interesting than any early Norton Manx, it’s still a 90mph machine. As Mavro replied when told he could no doubt win a Manx GP on a Norton: “I daresay, but I’d rather lose on a Scott”. verralls.com