Rare California-built veteran to be auctioned

To be auctioned by Bonhams at their upcoming 'Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction' on January 10, 2013, the Leo was built by the L.A. Mitchell Motor Company of Oakland, California, in 1905.

Like the 1902 Rambler Model B that's also been consigned for the upcoming Vegas auction, the Leo 'Two-Cycle' (ie. two stroke) is described by Bonhams as being a purpose-built motorcycle, with a heavier duty frame and other components, rather than a motorised bicycle.

However, unlike the Rambler, the Leo is significantly rarer, having only been built for one year - 1905 - with no examples thought to have survived until this one turned up.

The complete and original Leo is powered by a two-stroke single cylinder engine, making it the oldest American-built example known, as two-strokes weren't adopted in any quantity in the US until after World War I.

Recently discovered in the warehouse of a New England (north-eastern USA) museum, the Leo had been forgotten for decades, but despite this, was complete, the engine still had good compression and the leather and other components were still in remarkably good condition.

The 107-year-old one-off Leo will join many other classic and desirable motorcycles at Bonhams third annual Vegas auction on January 10, 2013, at Bally's Hotel & Casino on The Strip in Las Vegas.

Image: Bonhams USA