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Never miss an auction
£800 - £1,200
1954 VeloSolex 45, 49cc. Registration number 133 XVS (non transferrable). Frame number 494766. Engine number 486914.
In 1940, Marcel Mennesson had a prototype built for a bicycle equipped with a motor on the front wheel. The 38cc engine was outfitted with a roller transmission, carburetor and tank, and mounted on the front 700-millimetre wheel. Due to the events of World War II, however, the Model 45 didn’t debut until 1946. Unlike later Solexes, the 45 does not have a clutch. The rider has to take their hand off the handlebar to disengage the engine at stops; otherwise the engine stalls out. The rider then needs to pedal off again and restart the engine every time. Only the Solex 45 featured the flowing ‘swan-neck’ styling of the frame’s backbone. They run on Solexine, was a two-stroke pre-mix (94% gasoline + 6% Energol Oil).
XVS was bought as a project by our vendor in 2021 and has received a through restoration. It is now probably better than when it came out of the factory.
In running order it is sold with the V5C, and receipts for parts used.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
15% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
18.6% inc VAT*
