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 affordable for those making 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.
In VéloSoleX’s long history, their best-selling model was the S3800. It was the first model with a colored frame, plus it got larger wheels and blackwall tires. In 1968 the model got an upgrade of a twist grip that allowed riders to slow down more effectively when they had to stop.
This example is VIN: 80LEX65. The bike was donated to the museum in 2010.
During their ownership, the museum has covered one mile with the bike. There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
“The bike was gone through to make sure it is mechanically sound. It runs.”
Modifications:
The museum states that this bike is stock.
Inside of the tank. The seller says “the tank should be cleaned as there is some sediment.”
It is riding on Michelin Cyclomoteur tires that have aged out.
The bike does not come with any keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Hickory Corners, Michigan, this Solex is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any S3800 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
