1970 Velosolex 3800 Super Luxe (White)
This Velosolex 3800 Super Luxe fulfills all the criteria of collectability: it is very rare, very attractive, fully functional, and easy to use.
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2002: ELLE Magazine Summer Collection ‘All in White’
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In Paris in 1968, with pent-up frustration over poverty, unemployment, the conservative government of Charles de Gaulle and opposition to the Vietnam war, a mass movement for social change took place. In May, workers and students took to the streets in an unprecedented wave of strikes, walkouts and demonstrations. By May 18th, 10 million workers were on strike and all factories and universities were occupied. The images that resonated around the world were of young people protesting, particularly in the notorious riots at the Sorbonne.
The Velosolex was a French icon. However, by 1968, and against this background of upheaval, the management of Velosolex were forced to concede that the black Velosolex, which had changed little in appearance since its introduction after the war, was now seen by many young people as a symbol of the establishment.
Velosolex had achieved much of their early success by marketing toward the young. Following the adage of Citroen (“A child’s first words should be Mama, Papa and Citroen”), they knew that it was vital to appeal to all areas of the market. So in that year, coloured Velosolexes appeared for the first time – the 3800 de Luxe could now be purchased in blue or red.
The Super Luxe was introduced in 1970, and was current for one year only. The frame is entirely white, and engine parts are white too. While stainless steel mudguards were also fitted to the red or blue de Luxe versions, the chrome exhaust was unique to the white Super Luxe.
The white 3800 Super Luxe is probably the most dynamic fashion statement in the history of the Velosolex, and this model is now both very rare and cherished. Adverts for this model are also rare: I’m sure there are others, but the rather psychedelic one below is the only one of which I’m aware.
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VELOSOLEX HISTORY
In 1916 Marcel Mennesson applies for a patent to produce an auxiliary engine located in the center of the rear wheel. He would have this patent on December 31, 1917. A second patent applied for on December 31, 1918 and given on May 26, 1919 is about a complete two-wheeler that includes: a single tubular frame which links the seat to the steering column and goes through the foot rest, and a front suspension by a pendular fork. Those patents would not be followed by starting production.
Only in 1940 would Marcel Mennesson have a prototype of a 38cm-engine built. Its characteristics are the ones of the actual Solex, including, among other things, a transmission with a running wheel, a cylinder out of the line of the wheel, and a gas pump that brings the gas back to the tank. By december 1940, this engine is installed on a men’s bike – the “Alcyon” which is black with a gold trim, and which wheels are 700mm. This is indeed the first model of Velosolex.
[text with thanks to http://solexin.free.fr/us/history/histo/index.html%5D
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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 £60 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’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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