1969 Velosolex ‘3800 Luxe’ Blue
MOT to June 2011
Good Running Order
SEE VIDEO BELOW
The Velosolex is becoming increasingly collectable all over the world. I suppose our clothes reflect fifties and sixties influence, so a Velosolex is a good accessory. But the main reason, of course, is that this is such a practical 1950s vintage motorcycle to own and use.
Spares are easy to find, the design is simple to understand so it’s easy to maintain. Even though they’re not as rare as other, more expensive 40 or 50-year-old vintage motorcycles, they look just as good – and they feel and sound just as great when you’re motoring down the road.
Of course, everyone stops to say hello – or bonjour – wherever you park it!
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VIDEO of BLUE SOLEX RUNNING
http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/groovydubber/?action=view¤t=Blue_Solex.mp4
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THE VELOSOLEX LUXE
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.
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As you can see from the photos it’s a lovely machine. It’s already MOT’d. So once you’ve had it dated for a DVLA reg, you’ll be ready to wobble down the road at a steady 18mph or so.
It’s obviously not about how fast you travel from A to B. For vintage enthusiasts it’s all about the feel of our vehicle, the sound of it, and the style…
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The Velosolex was introduced right after World War 2. The first model (the 45) ran until 1953, but the design stayed more or less the same throughout its production run. The main change was in 1959 when a clutch was introduced. The 3800 benefits greatly from this, as it’s so much easier to use than the early models, which is why the 3800 is now the most popular Velosolex model in France.
Like the Italian Lambrettas and Vespas in the scooter world, the Velosolex set the highest standard in its genre, and remained the market leader for ‘cyclomoteurs’ throughout its production run.
A good measure of its success is the fact that a brand new Velosolex is now on sale. Although I find it to be a bit ‘plasticky’ it surprised me how true it is to the original design.
These wonderful little machines really are the epitome of french vintage transport.
There are several good clubs to provide any info and support you need. An iconic 1950’s Velosolex is one of the most practical cyclemotors to own and use for your local commute, to take to local shows in the summer, and to introduce younger members of the family to vintage vehicles.
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Please phone or email me if you have any questions. I can arrange transport to anywhere at cheap prices. And can recommend a competitive insurance company to make it easy to insure.
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VELOSOLEX LUXE in BLUE & SUPER LUXE in WHITE
Below, you can see this blue Solex Luxe alongside my white Solex Super Luxe (on page 24).
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.
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For a history of the Velosolex, please see the Cyclemaster Museum, Page 32 CLICK HERE
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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 £70 for this cyclemotor 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 the 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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to see what’s currently being sold
PLEASE CLICK HERE – http://buyvintage.co.uk/
2nd BuyVintage Online Auction: 2015 Onwards 