Description
This motorcycle is Lot 242 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 242
From the collection of noted collector, the late Ken Senior
1965 Velocette 192cc LE MkIII
Registration no. DUU 37C
Frame no. 7234/ 34
Engine no. 7722/ 3 (see text)
Launched in 1948, as the 'motorcycle for everyman', the Velocette 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 with the introduction of the MkII.
'DUU 37C' is an example of the MkIII which was introduced for 1959, its principal improvement being a four-speed, foot-change gearbox with kick-starter. In addition, the speedometer, ammeter and light switch were moved from the leg shield to the headlamp shell. The original green logbook shows that the LE was supplied new to the Metropolitan Police, passing into civilian ownership in 1970. A change of engine to '7722/ 3' is recorded in 1968. Our vendor acquired the LE in 1995. Additional documentation consists of a photocopy old V5, an old-style V5C and an information sheet. Careful recommissioning is advised before returning the machine to the road. Sold strictly as viewed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
