1959 Velosolex 1400 in excellent running order

I have for sale this 1959 Velosolex 1400. It is in excellent running order having had a full engine rebuild and thorough general overhaul by my local Velosolex expert.

The Velosolex was invented in 1946 to get the French population mobile again after the war at the lowest possible cost. It was a huge success and by the time production ended in France in the 1980's over 12 million had been built! They were once a common sight in every French village. They are now much rarer but are still an iconic image of France for many people.

There were various models over the years. This bike is a 1400 model which means it is one of the more attractive and older  round frame bikes. It is the first version to have 19 inch wheels so tyres are easy to get.

Having had a complete engine rebuild the bike starts instantly within one metre as a good Velosolex should. I have ridden the bike around my village and it goes very well. The brakes and light all work fine which is very unusual. It also has a couple of nice features. the tool box which is often missing is bin place and contains a fulll set of tools and puncture repair kit. See the last picture. It also has a period mirror rather than a reproduction one and a period bell.

Cosmetically the bike is tidy but by no means immaculate. There are plenty of signs of age. The chrome on the handlebars is well tarnished. The wheels are a bit better but they look right for the age of the bike. It is very original  and has a really nice patina. It would look just right outside a French cafe. The black paintwork has various marks and some surface rust on the rear rack and mudguard but it only really adds to the rustic look. The original seat is in excellent condition.

The engine plastics are in good condition and there is a nice original  crash bar. These are very difficult to find as they are specific to this model. The chrome is tarnished but it looks just right on this bike.

The one  thing to mention on this bike is that there is dent in the petrol tank. It is not visible straight away due to the presence of the crash bar. I have tried to photograph it  to give you an idea of the size of the dent.

If you are looking for an immaculate  Velosolex then this is probably not for you. However if you are looking for an unusual round frame bike that is ready to use in tidy condition then this might be the bike for you. The tyres are in good condition with lots of tread. The rare rear light is in excellent condition.

There is an excellent Velosolex club in the UK with many runs and meeting throughout the UK. The website is full of useful information for owning and running a Velosolex.

I can put you in touch with an Velosolex parts supplier in France who speaks English and can post parts from the UK to keep postage costs down. They can supply both new and second hand parts.

Due to mopeds in France not requiring registering in France until recently there is no log book with the bike. I will supply a certificate de cession and receipt in French and English to enable you to register the bike in the UK.

Please note that this bike is at present in the town of Chabris in the Indre department (36) of central France. For a price of ?40 I can arrange delivery to the Worthing area on the south coast of the UK one week after the end of the auction. Other delivery destinations in the UK are available but please email me for a price.

Alternatively you are welcome to come to France to collect the bike and I will offer the winning bidder one nights free accommodation in our B&B.

Payment is by cash on collection if you are coming to collect the bike from Worthing or France. If you are having the bike delivered then payment is by cleared sterling cheque or bank transfer.

Any questions please email me or call from the UK on 00 33 254051245.

Also published at eBay.com