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LOT 577

Property of a deceased's estate 1923 Levis 2¼hp Lightweight Registration no. BS 9599 Frame no. 11563 Engine no. 13287

Sold for £3,680 inc. premium
Lot 577

Property of a deceased's estate, 1923 Levis 2¼hp Lightweight
Registration no. BS 9599 Frame no. 11563 Engine no. 13287

Property of a deceased's estate
1923 Levis 2¼hp Lightweight
Registration no. BS 9599
Frame no. 11563
Engine no. 13287

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.

Originally registered as 'NW 4970', this two-stroke Levis lightweight - a single-cylinder, chain-cum-belt model equipped with countershaft gearbox - was acquired by the immediately preceding owner in 2004 and purchased by the late vendor at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in April 2008 (Lot 426). An older restoration, the machine has been dry stored since purchase as part of a small private collection and will require re-commissioning and the customary safety checks before returning to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of the original logbook; some expired tax discs and MoTs; and old/current V5C documents.

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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