1950 Rene Gillet 125cc Twinport
A running Rene Gillet 125cc in unrestored condition, showing its French registration 1759 AE 59. With carte grise (French logbook) showing date of 1st registration as 23rd December 1950 and frame number 37057.
This is a real ‘frenchy’ machine. It’s not well-known this side of the Channel. But R Gillets were used by the army and the Paris Gendarmerie, so many consider this marque a French icon.
I suppose a good test of vintage style and design is that a bike still looks good even when it has not been freshly restored.
SUMMARY:
Cosmetically, this motorcycle is a real oily rag machine. If you prefer to ride shiny restored motorcycles, this is not for you. On this Rene Gillet there really is nothing to polish 🙂
I prefer my motorcycles like this. Though I do enjoy restoring too. It’s a dilemma I often face. So riding it unrestored for a season and then giving it a paint job over the winter would be a viable option if that’s what you want.
The engine starts and runs well, and everything else functions as it should.
As normal when putting a vintage motorcycle back on the road after a period of being laid up, the petrol tank required a good clean. An inline fuel filter is fitted, and the filter may need emptying once a week to start with before the residue has finally cleared.
It starts fine on the kickstart, though the kickstart return spring needs replacing; the weak spring rattles the kickstart when the engine is running. The spring is common to British bikes too, so it would be easy enough to match it.
Apart from these two minor jobs, this charming 59-year-old motorcycle should serve you well as well as turning heads wherever you ride.
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The advert below suggests a speed of 75 kph.
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RENE GILLET
Founded in 1898, the Franch firm of Rene Gillet built their reputation on large capacity singles, many of which were used by the French armed forces. They were characterized by ‘extreme strength and stamina, with no sporting pretensions.’ Post-war production concentrated on lightweight 2-strokes. The military Rene Gillet 750 in the photo below was photographed prior to WW2.
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SHORT VIDEO
Or copy and paste the following into your browser:
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THE HAPPY ROAD
Gene Kelly directed and starred in the 1957 film ‘The Happy Road.’ Rene Gillet ended production in the same year, and you can see Kelly on the back of one of the last R Gillet’s in the film and in some of the advertising posters.
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It might be time to dig out my Jacques Brel albums again…
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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 motorcycle 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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