Lot 032: Velocette LE

The LE Velocette with its horizontally opposed water cooled twin cylinder engine and all enclosing bodywork was launched in 1948 as a response readdress criticisms that motorcycles were noisy and dirty, and to a large extent it was successful in this respect however its initial performance was somewhat pedestrian. As a result the motor was eventually increased to a displacement of 192ccs and the hand-operated starter and gearchange were replaced with foot-activated mechanisms. It became a popular mount for the police forces, but sadly was not an enormous hit with the motorcycling public, and the concept was destined to enter the annals of motorcycling history. Good examples today are becoming increasingly appreciated and sought after, with an excellent means of support via the LE Velocette Club. The machine offered today is described as in restored condition, and has the later and more desirable arrangement of foot operated gear change and starter.