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 two-stroke Levis, a single-cylinder, belt-cum-chain Model S, was delivered new to the Clifford Motor Co in London W1 on 20th May 1922. The previous owner acquired it in 1997 and spent much time and money on its restoration, sundry invoices being available to support this work. The machine was purchased by the vendor at Brooks’ Beaulieu Sale on 28th July 1999 (Lot 227) and since then has formed part of his private museum collection, being routinely maintained by its enthusiast owner and exercised regularly on a private estate. It is offered with copy instruction manual, VMCC dating certificate (No. 9517), SORN certificate and Swansea V5 document.
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 two-stroke Levis, a single-cylinder, belt-cum-chain Model S, was delivered new to the Clifford Motor Co in London W1 on 20th May 1922. The previous owner acquired it in 1997 and spent much time and money on its restoration, sundry invoices being available to support this work. The machine was purchased by the vendor at Brooks’ Beaulieu Sale on 28th July 1999 (Lot 227) and since then has formed part of his private museum collection, being routinely maintained by its enthusiast owner and exercised regularly on a private estate. It is offered with copy instruction manual, VMCC dating certificate (No. 9517), SORN certificate and Swansea V5 document.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
