LOT 576

Property of a deceased's estate 1922 Levis 2¼hp Lightweight Registration no. MD 5004 Frame no. 8146 Engine no. 10442

Sold for £4,370 inc. premium

Lot 576

Property of a deceased's estate, 1922 Levis 2¼hp Lightweight
Registration no. MD 5004 Frame no. 8146 Engine no. 10442

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

Property of a deceased's estate
1922 Levis 2¼hp Lightweight
Registration no. MD 5004
Frame no. 8146
Engine no. 10442

Manufactured by Butterfield Ltd of Stechford, Birmingham, the Levis motorcycle derived its name for the Latin word for 'light', which was one of the diminutive machine's many virtues. One of the pioneers of the two-stroke motorcycle, the firm commenced manufacture of its 211cc, single-gear lightweight in 1911. Soon dubbed 'Popular', the model was a huge success for the Birmingham marque, remaining in production until 1926. 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 Levis lightweight - a chain-cum-belt model equipped with countershaft gearbox - was restored circa 1985 and remained in the then owner's hands until it was purchased by the late vendor at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in October 2014 (Lot 358). The machine had not been used since 1989 and since acquisition has been kept in dry storage as part of a small private collection. The Levis appears in generally good condition but nevertheless will require careful re-commissioning and the customary safety checks before returning to the road. Offered with V5C Registration Certificate.

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.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

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