1953 VELOSOLEX 45
Engine number 258369, with 650 wheels
Requiring RESTORATION
This is a rarer early Velosolex needing restoration.
The engine fires up (as you can see in the video below). But the small pump in the front that actuates the pressure is not feeding the carburettor properly. So there are a few things to sort out. Engine number 258369 appears to be one of the last of the Solex 45 models. The tyres state 650, so it seems to have the earlier wheels.
SHORT VIDEO of SOLEX ENGINE RUNNING
done
The paintwork is original.
The wheels are sound but tarnished. The tyres hold air.
Spares are no longer cheap for these early models, but they are available. I could no doubt make much more than my asking price by stripping this for spares. But that’s not what I do. The purchaser is obviously free to do whatever they wish, but I try to get as many vintage vehicles as possible back on the road.
Compared to the majority of old motorcycles that are restored each year in this country, this is a straightforward restoration job …a rewarding way to spend those sunny summer afternoons in the garden.
Ownership of a 56-year-old cyclemotor is a wonderful way to tap into times past and learn about the postwar period. And blokes no longer have to hide in the potting shed of an evening with their roll-ups tinkering with their motorcycle. Because a Velosolex is like a family pet. This is something the whole family can enjoy.
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THE VELOSOLEX 45 (The first model)
The Velosolex 45 was sold from may 1946 to august 1953 :
| Month Year | Moteur number | Wheels size |
| may 1946 | 1000 | 650 wheels |
| january 1947 | 4200 | ” |
| january 1948 | 12975 | ” |
| january 1949 | 38980 | ” |
| Janvier 1950 | 76670 | ” |
| Janvier 1951 | 117.020 | ” |
| June 1951 | 140.096 | 600 wheels |
| January 1952 | 179.400 | ” |
| January 1953 | 254.685 | ” |
The Solex was exported all over the World…
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RIDING A NEW SOLEX 45 FROM LONDON TO BRIGHTON
“Motorcycling” obtains First-hand Impressions of the Velosolex Motorized Bicycle.
Velo-Solex motorized bicycle,which is to be produced in this country by Solex(Cycles), Ltd, 223-231, Marylebone Road, N.W.1
A sunny Wednesday afternoon saw the Velo-Solex setting off from Henly Hall, the depot of the London Distributors. The remarkable degree of silence achieved was at once noticeable, and at times it was difficult to hear whether or not the engine was running. A chance to test the model’s behaviour in London traffic was afforded almost at once, the little machine sliding effortlessly through four consecutive Oxford Street traffic jams. The steering was positive and light in operation, probably due to the well-known propensity of front wheel drive for pulling the machine in the required direction.
At 5 p.m, just 1 3/4 hours after leaving Henly Hall, a stop for refreshments was made at a Coulsdon pull-up café.
Here the VelosSolex attracted considerable attention from the drivers of various heavy lorries, who displayed interest in the potentialities of the marque. On the road again after 15-minute halt, and a few miles farther south the writer overtook a homing pedal-cyclist.
“That’s a natty gadget !” he claimed. “What’ll it do?”.
“About 16 m.p.h.on the level.”
“What! – without pedaling? How much does it cost?”queried the cyclist.
The information that the price, including purchase tax is £48 was given, and, as one of the lesser spurs of the North Downs loomed up, the cyclists dropped behind, while the Velo-Solex chuffed up the slope, a few revolutions of the pedals near the crest sufficing to keep up the speed.
The light was falling at Sam’s Half-way House, near Horley, and the Sussex border was reached by dusk. Crawley’s quiet streets were left behind and the Velo-Solex commenced the long climb into Pease Pottage. Here early pedal assistance was given, but it was possible to sit at ease on the sprung saddle, with only one hand on the bars, while surmounting the hill. A relatively level strech led to Handcross Hill necessitated the rider’s assistance, after which occasional pedalling was called for in the undulating Wealden country. The passage through the South Downs to Pyecombe where the model passed a cyclist pushing his mount when at only a third of the way up the rise was the only part of the journey where really vigorous pedalling was necessarily resorted to.
At Preston Park an escort of young cyclists on sports machines, firing questions, admiring the layout, and commenting on the abnormal silence of the engine, drew alongside. The clock of St.Peter’s indicated 8.15 p.m., as the Velo-Solex passed, making the time for the 55 miles 4 hrs.40 mins.
This average speed of 11 3/4 m.p.h. would be probably be equalled by a good touring cyclist. If so, then the markers of the machine have fullfilled their avowed intent to provide a pedal cycle “with the work cut out”. A quick check showed the petrol tank to be almost empty, which meant that, with a fuel consumption of 205.5 m.p.g., the petrol for the trip had cost 6d.!
The following Sunday was spent in testing still further the hill-climbing capalities of this fascinating machine little machine, and in trying by fair means and foul to induce roller slip. King George V Avenue in Hove a steep half-mile ascent up which even the young and energic cyclists usually push was ridden non-stop, albeit by dint of hard pedalling. The only hill upon which the model failed was a short, steep climb in the same vicinity.
Several muddy, unsurfaced lanes were traversed and even ill-treatment resorted to in the process. By letting go the decompressor too suddenly when starting the rear wheel was made to rise clear of the ground, yet no trace of slip between the carborundum-faced roller and the tyre could be seen.
(From the superb Velosolex website ‘Solex Millenium’ which I recommend you browse)
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Of course, in France, Velosolexes do not need a license or registration. But here, you’ll need to join the NACC, which provides excellent support. Through them you can obtain a dating certificate, MOT it and register it with DVLA and then you can use it legally on the road.
I hope these photos will provide all the information you require. If you need larger resolution images, please phone or email me as below.
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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BIDDING
OWNER: BuyVintage Online Auctions
LOCATION: Brighton, E.Sussex, United Kingdom
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DELIVERY is not included in this auction.
This means that it is not my responsibility,
BUT I can put you in touch with a delivery chap and organize collection;
you liaise with them direct re delivery and pay them separately.
Great Britain - delivery is ONLY £50 for this SOLEX to main parts of England;
extra to extremities such as Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, etc (and may take longer to arrive)
(Please email your postcode if you want to confirm price).
THIS BARGAIN PRICE DELIVERY IS ON A PART-LOAD BASIS.
(Collection when they’re in my area; delivery when in yours).
LOCAL DELIVERY FREE
If you want it fast, please organize your own collection.
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Ireland & N. Ireland – I’ll recommend some companies, but you’ll have to organize it yourself.
Europe – delivery is probably around €400 to Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, etc. I can recommend two companies.
North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc – I’ll organize all the crating and shipping for you.
PAYMENT: Paypal is okay for cheap items; otherwise deposit only on paypal please.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASERS:
You must communicate with me before the end of the auction to discuss payment and shipping options.
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AFTER PURCHASE: Please email me your phone numbers; I prefer to speak to all purchasers personally.
I do everything I can to make your purchase a pleasurable experience.
I’ve been selling obscure vintage vehicles on ebay since 2002.
Sharing similar interests, I’ve become good friends with many of my customers.
Please feel free to email or phone with any comments or questions…
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VEHICLE CONDITION: Vintage vehicles are wonderful beasts
– but each has an individual personality and they sometimes have bad days just like you and me.
You will need basic mechanical skills (or a local mechanic) to use one on a regular basis.
Two-strokes invariably need basic servicing before starting them, if they’ve been left to stand for more than 3 weeks or so.
These are rare vehicles whose values are not necessarily based on running order.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT BID.
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If you have any questions about this (or any other vehicle in these BuyVintage Online Auctions),
you can contact Colin in our Customer Service Department between 9am and 7pm daily:
By Phone – (UK 0044) 07866-126469
By email – Buyvintage@mac.com
The Auction Catalogue is our website -
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