1933 Sun Villiers 98cc Model de Luxe
This charming 98cc (1 hp) lightweight motorcycle ‘is not a toy but a perfect motorcycle in miniature’ according to the catalogue description. That sums it up quite well.
Lightweight 98cc motorcycles of this type of design were a new innovation in 1932 when this Sun was first manufactured. European countries had revised their licensing regulations to encourage cyclists to upgrade to motorcycles, creating a new class of machine known in France as a B.M.A. which had pedals, an engine under 100cc and a maximum speed allowance. Germany followed suit with Fichtel & Sachs making available a small power unit to all the motorcycle and bicycle manufacturers, so they could add a lightweight machine to their range.
I don’t think Sun sold many of these machines in Great Britain. But they had a good export market and I reckon that, with dozens of new lightweights being made available across Europe, Sun’s 1 hp ‘Model de Luxe’ was designed to cover their base just in case these things took off.
‘Model de Luxe’ is not exactly how I would personally describe this machine. The kickstarter was an extra 10/- (50 pence in today’s money) and the original purchaser seems to have wanted to save even that expense. I suppose its low price must have been its main selling point.
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SHORT VIDEO of SUN RUNNING
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This Sun is lacking its chainguard. You can see what it looks like from the catalogue pictures; chainguards are not hard to make, and its also easy enough to adapt one from another small motorcycle.
The inside of the rear light is also missing; otherwise, the motorcycle is complete. The gearbox and front forks have been rebuilt. It has new tyres. It starts easily enough with a pushstart. Like all two strokes, after being stored for some time it could do with a flush-through and some fresh petrol.
There are no registration documents. But the registration plate displays its original number, which is confirmed by an old insurance certificate (you can see its scan further down the page). My records show this series of registration ‘LV’ was issued only between 1932 and 1934. The catalogue confirms this model as 1932-1933. So it will be easy enough to get the motorcycle registered, and to retain its original registration.
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1932-1933 SUN CATALOGUE
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COMMERCIAL UNION INSURANCE POLICY
1933 SUN: Registration LV 488O
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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.
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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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