Very rare 1949 Christophe 125 French motorbike

I have for sale this incredibly rare 1949 125 cc Christophe motorcycle. To understand just how rare this bike is I need to explain the history of the marque.

During the 1930`s Christophe was a works team rider for the Peugeot factory racing team. He achieved considerable success for the factory and was held in high regard by the company. At the outbreak of the second world war he joined the forces and at the end of the war took the decision to go it alone as a motorbike manufacturer. This was a very brave step at this time in war torn France. The company existed for a very short period of time and motorbike manufacture occurred from 1949 till 1951. Literally a handful of bikes were built. I have heard figures of between 4 and 8 bikes being genuine factory built bikes. These should not be confused with later Christophe badged bikes built by Peugeot. After this brief period of production Christophe realised that financial disaster was approaching and went to Peugeot for help. Due to his racing career and popularity with the management they agreed to bail him out and he went back to work for Peugeot as a designer come ambassador for the company. Peugeot used the name rarely during the 1950`s but it was merely a badge engineering exercise.  This is a genuine Christophe built bike and as such one of the rarest of all French bikes from the post war years. I know of one other real Christophe in the UK which is a four stroke bike and differs greatly from this one. I sold the 4 stroke one earlier this year and was approached by a French bike journalist from la vie de la moto magazine at the Kempton park auto jumble as he had never actually seen one in the flesh. Sorry to go on but it really is that rare.

As for the bike it is a project but that said it is very sound and almost complete. The only bit I can see that is missing is the points cover from the flywheel. Fortunately this bike is equipped with the French built version of the famous Villiers 125cc D10 engine so replacing bits will be easy. All the unique parts to this bike are there and in pretty good condition. The paintwork is an amateur effort  and not the best. On the plus side it has protected the metalwork and there is no rust at all. It would be perfectly possible to put the bike on the road very quickly. The engine turns over fine and sound ok. The gears engage and I would expect fresh petrol. a points clean and a bit of fettling would have it running. The tyres will need looking at as although they have tread they are old. The seat  is original and a bit tatty but usable. Some of the cables will probably need changing to be on the safe side.

The bike has a nice vintage look with its rigid forks but does benefit from foot gear change and jam pot type rear suspension making it a very usable bike. Once back on the road I can guarantee you will not see another one at a bike show or on a bike run. So if you are looking for a really rare bike to use at a sensible price this could be for you.

Please note that this bike is at present in the town of Chabris in the Indre department of central France. For a price of £50 I can arrange delivery to the Worthing area very soon after the end of the auction. Other delivery destinations are available but please email me for a  price. The bike can also be collected from the Kempton Park auto jumble in South west London on the 20th of September or the Romney Marsh auto jumble near Ashford in Kent on the 25th of  October. Alternatively you are welcome to come to France to pick the bike up and I will offer the winning bidder one nights free accommodation in our B&B.

Payment is by cleared sterling cheque if you are having the bike delivered or by cash on collection if you are coming to pick the bike up.

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

Also published at eBay.com