Autocycle - 1971 VeloSolex 3800 Super DeLuxe

Description

This very desirable Auto cycle - 1971 Velosolex 3800 Super Deluxe is one of only 1478 Super Deluxe models ever made, the range is approximately 75Klms per liter of two stoke mix.

The Velosolex is fitted with a period Perspex and Vinyl windscreen, German compliance headlight, period Speedo, chromed pack rack, and engine protection bar, Stainless Steel foot rest and it has its original German insurance number plate.

The engine has been rebuilt and the frame was powder coated in 2013.

The first prototype Velosolex was completed in 1941. It had a 38cc engine on a man's style bicycle frame. The colour was black with gold stripes.

The version which was selected for preproduction and which would be retained for the first models had a different framework. It was made with an open frame using a single swan neck style tube. After a few years of tests and development the first Solex model came on the market in 1946. The size of the engine was increased to 45cc to deliver power of 0.4 CV at 2000 rpm.

In following years some improvements were carried out concerning the frame. The most important modification occurred in 1951 with the addition of a centre stand and an engine lift lever fixed on the cylinder head.

From 1954, the models are defined by numbers, beginning with the 330 which differs from its predecessor with a pressed-steel luggage rack and an engine of 49cc. The power is now 0.5 CV.

The 660 model is first sold in 1956. It has a new frame with footrest and the design of the motor changes slightly: the tank and the cover for the magneto rotor are ribbed and the headlight is integrated into the engine hood.

In 1957 the 1010 arrives on the market. The framework is identical to that of the 660 but the engine is revised again with a new piston, enlarged air filter and the exhaust shaped in a big S.

In 1959 the Solex 1010 was equipped with smaller wheels and took the designation 1400. The new tyre dimension of 1.3/4" X 19" will remain standard until the last 3800.

In 1960, the automatic clutch appeared on 1700 the model. Fins are attached to the magneto rotor to achieve engine cooling when the bike is stationary. The capacity of the tank is increased to 1.4 litres.

The S2200 is produced from 1961. It is equipped with a suppression system and its engine power is increased from 0.5 to 0.7 CV.

The 3300 has a 3rd type of framework, from now on rectangular tube made from flanged and welded sheet. It is presented to the public in 1964. The front and rear mudguards remain those of the S2200.

The 3800 of 1966 is a 3300 with an engine giving a little more power. The mudguards are ribbed on each side and the air filter carries an S3800 decal written in white on a red background. For the first time in the history of the Solex it is available in blue and red for the S3800 luxe and in 1970 in white for the S3800 super de luxe.These have whitewall tyres, chrome mudguards, chrome exhaust. The white did not prove very popular and so after only 1478 models produced, the super de luxe is discontinued.

The S 3800 will be produced until 1988 and will undergo changes such as the addition of an accelerator, different levers, and reflectors.

In 1971, Solex produces the 5000 in parallel with the S3800. It is a version equipped with small 16 inch wheels, stainless steel mudguards and a raised handlebar. It is available in blue, yellow, orange and white. The tank and rotor cover are white plastic on all versions. After almost 8 million bikes produced since its inception in 1946 Velosolex production ceases in 1988