Lot 428: 1957 Velocette 192cc LE

Launched in 1948, as the ‘motorcycle for everyman’, the 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. It was however, a big success with police forces - for whom its attributes were more important than its appearance - gaining the sobriquet ‘Noddy Bike’ as a result. This LE has been in the current owner’s possession for the past five years. Restored in 2003 and last taxed for the road to 30th April 2006, the machine is offered with Swansea V5.