1916 Levis 2½hp Model E Frame no. 4354 Engine no. 1716B

1916 Levis 2½hp Model E Registration no. T 5343 Frame no. 4354 Engine no. 1716B •Believed West Country ownership from new •Present ownership since 1966 •Stored since acquisition •Apparently original and un-restored 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, known as the 'Baby', around 1912. Soon renamed 'Popular', the model was a huge success for the Birmingham marque, remaining in production until 1926. From five models in19in 1915, the range had shrunk to just two in 1916: the Popular and the 'E', the latter powered by a 293cc two-stroke single rated at 2½hp. The 'E' was last catalogued in 1918. The date of first registration recorded in this machine's accompanying old-style green logbook is 24th January 1921, this being shortly after the introduction of the Roads Act of 1920, which required local councils to register all vehicles at the time of licensing and to allocate a separate number to each. (Many vehicles, although in existence for several years in some cases, were only registered for the first time after the Act's passing). In actual fact, 'T 5343' had been first registered on 18th July 1916 to Jack Eddy, The Garage, St Thomas, Exeter (see correspondence from Devon County Council of file). The aforementioned document lists three more owners up to 1919, all in the West Country. There is then a gap in the documented history, which is taken up by the aforementioned logbook issued to the lady vendor's late husband in 1966 (for a time the Levis was registered to his company, Tower Cycles of Newton Abbot). The machine has been stored since its acquisition some 55 years ago. Carrying a tax disc that expired on 31st December 1923, this remarkable Levis lightweight is covered in a thin layer of preservative grease and is believed original and un-restored. Noteworthy features include a Senspray carburettor; EIC magneto; Leckie saddle; Lucas rear lamp; and Lucas 'King of the Road' headlamp and horn. Accompanying paperwork includes an old-style V5C; an expired MoT (1979); and the aforementioned documentation. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the earliest Levis motorcycles ever offered for sale on the open market. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com