1951 Automoto (Peugeot) 125 AVL easy project

I have for sale this very tidy 1951 Automoto 125cc AVL that has been painted (not brilliantly) and seems to be mechanically sound and complete apart from the chain. and a few cables etc.  

A little history of the marque. Automoto was formed in 1901 in Paris and in common with many manufacturers originally built bicycles.   They soon moved into motorbikes and an unusual English link was that they supplied their own engines to English bike builder Acme. They were known for building robust machines and manufacture continued until 1931 when they merged with Peugeot.

Manufacturing continued under the Automoto name using a lot of Peugeot parts until 1962 the last bikes being 100cc step through commuter bikes that were identical to Peugeots.

This bike is a 1951 125 AVL model that has the Villiers D10 engine. Parts for the engine are therefore very easy to source. The engine turns over with plenty of compression but there is no HT lead so I don't know if it has a spark. The bike came from a deceased estate near Clermont Ferrand that I have purchased several bikes from. All the others have just required the points cleaning and fresh fuel and I would think that this one should be the same. Obviously it also needs an HT lead and probably some wiring work but it is a very simple bike.

The bike has had a mediocre paint job that is acceptable if you just want to get the bike running and use as is. Alternatively you could strip the metalwork back and do a proper job. Fortunately the paint that has been applied has protected the metalwork and there is no rust at all. The original leather saddle is in used but serviceable condition. A nice feature is the small shock absorber under the saddle.

The rigid front forks give the bike a nice vintage look but the bike benefits from jam pot type rear suspension and foot gear change  making it very pleasant to ride for some distance.

Once back on the road this will be a very unusual bike in the UK and makes a nice change from the normal BSA Bantams etc. There is no log book with the bike but I will supply a French certificate de cession with the bike to enable easy registration in the UK. The constructors plaque on the headstock is in place and readable (see picture 3).

Please note that the bike is at present in the town of Chabris in the Indre department of central France. For a price of £50 over the final sale price I can arrange delivery to the Worthing area just after the end of the auction. Other delivery destinations are available but please email me for a price. It is also possible to collect the bike from the Kempton Park auto jumble on the 20th of September or the Romney Marsh auto jumble near Ashford. Kent on the 25th of October. 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 cleared sterling cheque if you are having the bike delivered or by cash on collection if you are coming to get it. Any questions please email me or call from the UK on 0033 254051245.

Also published at eBay.com