The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection
1959 Velocette 200cc LE MkIII
Registration no. 4357 PO
Frame no. 2456/34
Engine no. 2456/3
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. This LE 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 Velo comes with an old-style buff logbook recording the date of first registration as 1st August 1959 and first owner as Frederick Thomas Sapping Haslemere, who kept it until May 1966. (As is so often the case, the V5 incorrectly lists the previous owner as the first keeper.) Tony East purchased the machine in 1987, and in 1989 it took part in the LE Velo Club's annual rally at Stanford Hall. An older restoration, the LE was last taxed to 31st July 2002 and had 7,799 miles showing on the odometer at time of cataloguing. Accompanying paperwork includes an original 1967 tax disc (affixed to logbook); the aforementioned V5 document; an LE owner's handbook, service manual and spares list; some old MoTs; and Bryan Small's restoration invoices totalling £1,810.
Offered with key
Footnotes:
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.
Lot to be sold without reserve.