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• Built by Sussex motorcycle engineer Mark Roper
• Previously competed in the UK DTRA series
• Reported to have performed well in the hands of a known racer

OSSA may be best remembered in Britain for its trials and off-road motorcycles, but the Spanish manufacturer also has a fascinating connection with flat-track racing. During the late 1960s and 1970s the Barcelona marque built a formidable reputation for lightweight two-stroke competition machinery, enjoying success across trials, motocross, road racing and American dirt-track competition. Indeed, OSSA's American competition story included Dick Mann's famous victory aboard a 250cc OSSA at the 1969 Santa Fe Grand National short-track event, with dedicated OSSA dirt-track machinery subsequently becoming part of the marque's competition history. This bike was last raced in 2024 where it won plenty of races and proved competitive in the classic category.

This striking machine takes that period OSSA formula and turns it into a purposeful flat-track special. While its exact donor model, engine capacity and year have not been documented with the motorcycle and therefore cannot be confirmed, its air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke OSSA engine, minimalist chassis and competition-focused specification make for a convincing vintage flat-track machine. Runs on Petrol/oil mix at 32:1 ratio I have been recommended: Kart Kastor Racing M Castor Oil.

The motorcycle was reportedly built by respected Sussex motorcycle engineer Mark Roper specifically for competition use. According to the vendor, it subsequently competed in the UK's DTRA series, where it performed well in the hands of a known racer. The current vendor acquired the OSSA with the intention of racing it himself but ultimately never did, and has now decided that it deserves to return to the sort of use for which it was built.

Visually, it certainly looks every inch the competition machine. The metallic purple fuel tank with white striping provides a particularly distinctive centrepiece, complemented by matching side number boards carrying its No.64 competition number. The simple black saddle, silver-painted frame, lightweight spoked wheels and purposeful flat-track tyres complete the stripped-back appearance.

Mechanically the bike is equally focused. The photographs show the OSSA two-stroke single breathing through an open foam-type air filter and exhausting through a substantial low-slung expansion chamber, while the rear of the machine features twin shock absorbers and a disc brake arrangement. In typical flat-track fashion there is no front brake fitted, helping give the OSSA the wonderfully uncluttered appearance associated with traditional short-track racers.

There is genuine historical relevance behind this style of build. OSSA produced competition motorcycles aimed at dirt and short-track racing during the period, including the Dick Mann Replica and later ST-1. Period accounts describe the latter as using a 244cc two-stroke OSSA engine with a five-speed transmission in a specialist competition chassis. We would stress, however, that this particular motorcycle is offered as a later-built OSSA Flat Track Special and is not being represented as a factory DMR, ST-1 or other specific factory competition model.

The vendor describes the bike as being in ready-to-race condition when last used. It has subsequently spent approximately the last 12 months on display in his office and was deliberately stored without fuel. Consequently, although it was a functioning competition motorcycle prior to storage, sensible recommissioning and safety checks would be advisable before it is returned to the track.

Cosmetically it presents very well for a competition motorcycle. The purple paintwork remains particularly vibrant, the frame and cycle parts appear smart and the wheels present nicely, while the engine cases and expansion chamber retain the patina one would expect of machinery that has actually seen competition use. Rather than being an over-restored display piece, it has the purposeful appearance of a machine built to do a job.

No paperwork accompanies the motorcycle, and its precise year, original OSSA model and engine capacity have not been independently established. Prospective bidders are therefore encouraged to satisfy themselves as to its specification. What is clear is that this is a wonderfully characterful, previously raced OSSA special with an established connection to the British flat-track scene and a specification that should make it far more interesting than simply another static piece of motorcycle memorabilia.