History
This is my 1971 VeloSolex Super de Luxe. Made in France since 1946 this unique motor assisted bicycle goes at 38km/h. for many years these wer only available in the traditional black colour. However in 1968 Solex started to make the de Luxe model in Blue, Orange and Yellow sort of to stay with the times. Never properly exported to Australia (there was i dealer in Adelaide) these were extremely popular all over Europe and the US. in the early years as cheap transport after the war and later with young people because of the independence they granted. None of this "I need to be driven to school" stuff in the 60’s and 70’s. I got my first second hand Solex in 1965 from money I worked for during school holidays and loved her literally to bits. modified the engine to go well over 40km/h hairraising indeed. In 1971 Solex brought out the ’Super de luxe" in white with chrome mudguards, chrome exhaust system but, it never caught on, was not successful in this colour and by end of 1971 this model was discontinued after only 1478 deliveries. So my white one is a very rare beast. Until 1986 a total of 14,700,000 VeloSolex were Manufanctured, in the last two vaning years efforts were made by Motobecane, and then in China to keep the production going but they had lost their popularity. Note the photos with Steve McQueen, Elle McPherson and Brigitte Bardot as well as some original 1950’s advertisements.
I imported mine from England last year , bought it on Ebay. There is an enthusiasts group in Melbourne and Adelaide: "OZsolex" and we help each other with mechanical know how and restoration tips and go once monthly for a Ride with a brunch.
Modifications
Competition Cylinderhead
Competition Exhaust Manifold
New Bearings, piston, rings
All copper gaskets
modified seat assembly
Speedometer
protective bumberbar around engine
3Speed gear hub at rear
IPhone/GPS bracket
