Bert Le Vack worked for some time with John Wallace on the Duzmo. He then worked with the London branch of Indian in 1920 before joining JAP, and was a record-breaking rider and tuner of machines manufactured by others.
Bert's war time experience of assembling and testing aero engines were taken into account when his services were secured by the company with which Wallace was employed. Le Vack proved to be a valuable asset, with his ability to produce excellent results from the sometimes inferior componentry. Le Vack built the first prototype engine and coaxed it to run satisfactorily. A second engine and fitted it into a complete motorcycle which was ridden by Le Vack in competition and in demonstrations to the trade & public.
In 1923 the Le Vack name appeared on the sole model of a sporting motorcycle. It had a 344cc ohv JAP engine, three-speed Burman gearbox and all-chain drive.
It was only available for that year.
Le Vack was an enigmatic character who achieved great things. As a rider he took numerous world speed records in France and England, and rode for many manufacturers including Indian, New Imperial, Zenith and Brough Superior, where he worked on T.E. Lawrence's machines.
He joined Motosacoche in the late 1920s as chief designer and works rider.
Born in 1888, Herbert 'Bert' le Vack died on 16th September 1931 near Bern in Switzerland in a sidecar accident.
Sources: Graces Guide, Nick Harrison, en.wikipedia.org.
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