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LOT 175 *N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III c.1959 Velocette LE Mark III Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. not visible Engine no. 200/22044

Sold for £977.50 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 175*,N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III, c.1959 Velocette LE Mark III

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
c.1959 Velocette LE Mark III
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. not visible
Engine no. 200/22044

This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must complete all post-sale customs clearance administration, for import or export, on behalf of the purchaser. A compulsory fee of £195 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this service. This Lot may not be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any third-party transporter until Shippio Ltd has confirmed that this Lot has cleared customs.

If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.


Launched in 1948, as the 'motorcycle for everyman', the Velocette LE addressed the criticisms most often levelled at motorcycles - that they were noisy, dirty and needed special clothing to ride - achieving impressive levels of silence, comfort and practicality. Sadly for the LE, its arrival coincided with the start of the scooter boom; asked to compete against Italian style, Velo's ugly duckling never stood a chance, even after the sidevalve flat twin's performance had been boosted by a capacity increase from 149 to 192cc in 1950 with the introduction of the MkII.

This LE is an example of the MkIII which was introduced for 1959, its principal improvement being a four-speed, foot-change gearbox with kick-starter. In addition, the speedometer, ammeter and light switch were moved from the leg shield to the headlamp shell.

Carrying a tax disk expired in June 1990, this LE MkIII is presented in restored condition and currently displays a total of 518 miles on the odometer presumably since restoration (the engine turns over). It should be noted that the handlebar grips appear to have melted, leaving an unsightly residue on the bodywork; this damage having occurred while in transit. The machine comes with a hand pump and is sold strictly as viewed. The registration displayed on the machine - 'HWP 209' - is not on the HPI database and there are no documents linking the machine to it.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Offered with key

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
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To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio.
To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes.

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  • 10 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 11 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

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