1948 Jonghi Type E 125 barn find for renovation

I have for auction this very unusual 1948 Jonghi Type E 125cc French motobike. It is a renovation project that requires plenty of work and is missing some parts but once restored it will be extremely rare in the UK. Alternatively it would make a nice workshop ornament or an excellent bobber project. The paint is the original so would make a nice oily rag bike.

Jonghi was a late entry into the French motorcycle industry in 1930. They built bikes at a factory in Noisy le Grand on the outskirts of Paris and had a fine reputation for building  very sporty bikes. They purchased the well known bike manufacturers Prester during the 30s. They had considerable success in racing winning many 250 and 350cc grand prix. They also held several speed records between the wars. After 1945 the company launched two new models the type D 250 cc and the 125cc Type E like this bike. They were well regarded as well built bikes but were considerably more expensive than competitors such as Terrot and Motobecane and never sold in large numbers. Production of all bikes ended in 1958.

The main thing to mention is that quite a lot of the engine is missing and personally i would think that finding a replacement engine would be the best course of action if you want to keep the bike standard. I am happy to assist the winning bidder with finding an engine. The rest of the  bike appears to be pretty complete apart from the exhaust downpipe. The back light will need replacing. The metalwork is in very sound and unrusted condition. There is general surface rust but nothing serious. The wheels have surface rust but are restorable. They would originally have been painted so no expensive chroming required. The bike has been in dry storage for around 30 years near Bordeaux until last week. The last owner would appear to have been a bit of an enthusiast as the bike has been fitted with ace type handlebars! The headlamp mounted speedo is in place and shows just over 8000 kms (5100 miles) but i have  no way of knowing if this is correct. The manufacturers plaque on the headstock is in place. The bike features rigid forks and rear end giving it a nice vintage look. Jonghi was one of the first French bike makers to adopt foot gear change which this bike has. The very rare  and unique to this model tool box is present and in good condition.

There is no log book with the bike but i will supply a French certificate de cession and 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 ?50 i can arrange delivery to the Worthing area during the first week of January. 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 cleared sterling cheque or bank transfer if you are having the bike delivered or by cash on collection if you are coming to get the bike from Worthing or France.

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

Also published at eBay.com