1959 Velosolex 1400 barn find project

I am selling this nice barn fresh 1959 Velosolex 1400 project. This is my favourite type of project. It is just as it came out of a French barn after about 40 years of dry storage. I have done nothing to this bike apart from inflate the tyres to make it easier to move.   The tyres even stay up! I have not even cleaned it as I know a lot of people like their projects totally barn fresh as this is.

The Velosolex was invented in 1946 to get the French 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 have now achieved cult status and there is an excellent owners club in the UK. Parts are freely available for all models and I can put the winning bidder in touch with an excellent parts supplier who can source any part for this bike and who speaks English.

This particular bike is a 1959 1400 model. This is the last model before the centrifugal clutch was fitted. It is one of the rarer models but shares many parts with later models so parts are not a problem. When introduced in September 1958 it was the first Velosolex to have 19 inch wheels and a modernised round frame. This frame continued in production as the 1700 and 2200 until October 1964 so cycle parts are easy to find.

After many years storage it is a project but has many good points. The paintwork is totally original throughout with the hand painted gold lining still in evidence. The chrome is not bad considering the years in a barn and will clean up very well. Personally I would run this bike as an oily rag bike as it has a lovely patina. Alternatively it could be restored but that is for the new owner to decide.

Mechanically all I have done is check that the engine turns over. which it does. I would imagine after so many years of storage that the engine could do with new piston rings  and bearings but you might get away with a service. The fuel system will certainly need cleaning out and probably a new fuel pump. Fortunately all parts to repair this engine are available and not expensive.

The engine is totally complete and the fuel tank which is unique to this model is in very tidy condition with just a couple of very minor dents. The original set of crash bars which are very rare have done their job and protected the tank and the very rare plastic flywheel cover which is In very good condition. The plastic headlamp cover does have a crack in it but is perfectly usable if you are planning an oily rag bike.   Second hand replacements can be found and my spares person can help with this if it bothers you.

Both tyres inflate and stay up but should be changed for safety. The front tyre actually looks fine with good tread but is at least 40 years old. Being the later 19 inch wheels tyres are easy to get.

There is no log book with the bike as before 2012 mopeds in France did not require registration. I will supply the bike with a French cession de vehicle certificate and a receipt in French and English to assist with registering 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 about a week after the end of the auction. Other destinations are possible but please email me for a price before the end of the auction. If you live in France I can only delivery close to the route from near Blois to Dieppe.

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 included in the price of the bike.

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

Any questions please email me or call from the UK on 0033 254051245.  

Also published at eBay.com