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2013 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
13

1964 Velo Solex 3800 Auto-cycle

$4,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine Single cylinder, 49cc
Gearbox Single-speed manual
Colour Pale Blue
Trim Tan

Description

This lot is no longer available

As familiar a sight on French roads as Citroen's 2CV, the Velo moped was made in large numbers by the Solex Carburettor company between 1946 and 1988 - some eight million all told. The need for cheap mass transportation in post-war France made the VeloSolex an icon and generations have fond memories of ?the bicycle that runs by itself?. The design lived on, with production continuing under licence in Hungary and China for the next two decades. Powered by a two-stroke 49cc motor driving the front wheel via a friction wheel connected directly to the crankshaft, the Velo is extremely comfortable to ride and able to cruise at speeds of around 30 km/h. The motor is quiet, smooth and economical, with a range of up to 100 kilometres from a single tank of fuel. The 3800 model was rated at 0.78 hp, had 19-inch wheels, a new crankcase and 42mm roller and a fuel tank capacity of 2.52 litres.