1938 Motobecane AB1 Barn find running project

I am selling this really rare and unusual  1938  Motobecane AB1 100cc four stroke motorbike.

This model was introduced in 1938 and was only produced for two years. Production ceased when war was declared and this model was never reintroduced after the war. It was Motobecanes first ever small four stroke bike. It is a 100 cc side valve with hand gear change. hand and foot clutch. rigid forks and rigid rear end.

The bike is in nice original barn find condition. It is almost complete. the only bits missing are the headlamp glass. back light and exhaust silencer. All these parts are available new from Chambrier Freres or second hand from various websites in France. The seat cover is original but in poor condition.

The paintwork is as found and tatty but totally original. There is no serious rust just some superficial corrosion. The metalwork is all nice and straight.

Mechanically the bike is in very good order. It starts and runs by putting petrol down the carburettor. I would advise cleaning out the petrol tank before using. After around 50 years in a  barn near Lyon it will need the tyres replacing as well as a thorough service if you want to use as an oily rag bike. Alternatively the bike could be fully restored as it is such a rare little bike. I have only seen one other of this model.

After the war Motobecane launched  the D45 125 which has a similar four stroke side valve engine but enlarged to 125 cc. This bike is much rarer.

There is no log book with the bike but I will supply a French cession de vehicle certificate to enable the new owner to register in the UK. The bike is already in the UK and can be viewed by arrangement in the Worthing area. Please phone Malcolm on 07803 086765.

Delivery is possible. please phone or email for a price/

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