Lot 128: Levis 211cc Two-stroke

Although Levis were comparatively short-time motorcycle manufacturers in England, from 1911 to 1940, they enjoyed an enviable reputation and were held in much affection by owners of their products. The company had enjoyed significant successes in the Isle of Man TT races in the early 1920s, finishing 1-2-3 in the 1920 Junior TT, taking 2nd place in 1921 and winning the 1922 Lightweight TT. These racing successes gave the Birmingham factory a tremendous sales boost and the two-stroke, 211cc model was one of the most popular mid-1920s two-stroke motorcycles. The Levis found favor with the fairer sex because of its simplicity and ease of riding and this particular example was first registered on January 12th, 1921, later passing in 1925 to a Miss Dorothy P Mitchell of Castle Bromwich in the British Midlands. Following one subsequent owner, this machine was acquired by notable British collector, Stafford East, on September 13th, 1954 and it remained in his ownership until 2008  precisely 54 years. A distinctive feature of the Levis is the exposed flywheel and this example features belt-drive, Senspray carburetor, acetylene headlamp, spare drive belt, rear carrier and leather tool box. It features a cycle-type stirrup front brake and rim rear brake. The machine is well documented and offered with an early English registration document from 1925, a 1920 copy of the most interesting Levis Hints & Tips and a current U.K. registration document. The machine has been rested for some years in the collection of Stafford East and will lend itself well to careful restoration and recommissioning. The quintessentially English Robin bird illustrated perched on the headlamp will not be included in the sale!