1939 Levis 499c Model D

The Amelia Island Auction|3 March 2022, 10:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1939 Levis 499c Model D
Engine no. 32402

Founded in 1905 by John Osborne where they started producing bicycles and before long moved into motorcycles, 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. Throughout the 1930's Levis produced more models to cater for the ever growing demand for motorcycles and in 1938 they had 11 different models!
This charming Levis Model D was dispatched to Scofield, Goodman & Sons, Birmingham, Australia in 1939 and appears to have been fully restored at some point in the recent past as little history is known in its present ownership. Having been on display at the late vendors private museum it will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent but with its chrome and green gas tank and high-rise exhaust pipes, this lovely example of Levis desirable Model D is a great opportunity to own a great piece of prewar British engineering.

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