LOT 461

1929 Levis 247cc '6 Port' Registration no. BF 5880 (see text) Frame no. 20593 Engine no. 24817

Sold for £5,175 inc. premium

Lot 461

1929 Levis 247cc '6 Port'
Registration no. BF 5880 (see text) Frame no. 20593 Engine no. 24817

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|28 April 2019, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1929 Levis 247cc '6 Port'
Registration no. BF 5880 (see text)
Frame no. 20593
Engine no. 24817

Deriving its name for the Latin word for 'light', the Levis was manufactured by Butterfield Ltd of Stechford, Birmingham. One of the pioneers of the two-stroke motorcycle, the firm commenced manufacture of its immensely successful 211cc, single-gear 'Popular' lightweight in 1911. Levis dominated 250cc racing in the early 1920s, winning the Lightweight category at the Isle of Man TT in 1920 and 1922, and duly introduced a new 247cc production model alongside the Popular for 1921.

This Vintage-era Levis two-stroke lightweight is an example of the sporting '6 Port' model, which was produced alongside the cheaper, four-port Model Z and advertised as 'the 60mph 250cc two-stroke'. A 'barn find' in 2002, 'BF 5880' subsequently underwent a complete 'last nut and bolt' rebuild, which was completed by the previous owner in 2009. It was displayed at the annual 'Levis Cup' event in 2011.

The machine has been ridden recently in club runs and has performed well in hill climbs including Kop Hill. Only minor work has been needed. The machine is currently Guernsey registered and a re-importation NOVA submission has been made, which should enable the original UK registration to be recovered by the purchaser. The two-stroke enthusiast's ideal 'Banbury' mount, this beautiful little Levis is offered with sundry restoration invoices and photographs, an expired MoT, and a copy of Martin Squires' drawing of the Levis at Kop Hill.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

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