Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Back in 1905, engineers Maurice Goudard and Marcel Mennesson decided to come together and form a company specializing in carburetors. In order to decide on the company name, Goudard felt that they should hold a competition amongst friends and family. The requirements were as follows: 1) it had to be short — two syllables and no more than five letters. 2) It could not end in an “e” — so as not to sound too French. 3) It had to be a new name, never published, and easily pronounceable in any language. What resulted was Solex.
Come 1940, Mennesson felt that the company’s next innovation should take the form of a motorized bicycle; however, production would have to wait until the end of the war. When the VeloSoleX finally debuted in 1946, it featured a 45cc, two-stroke engine mounted on the fender above the front wheel.
By far the most attractive aspect of the motorized bicycle was its fuel economy — it provided “100 km on less than one liter”. Post-war Europe was busy rebuilding its infrastructure and many workers needed affordable transportation. With prices lower than minimum wage (and cheaper than Italy’s Vespa) the Velo line grew to span more than a dozen models and sold some eight million units across 70 countries from 1946 to 1988.
This example is VIN: 7033644. The seller has owned the moped two years.
There is no odometer; true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “I recently had the carbs cleaned, the headlight and taillight repaired, the wheels trued, and new tubes installed for each tire.”
Modifications:
Repainted headlight cover.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires.
The sale includes the original tool kit.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Side seat post is dented.”
“Scratches on lower rear of frame.”
Currently located in Montreal, Quebec, this VeloSoleX is offered on a clean Vermont title. Have any 5000 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
