Lot 639

The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum

1945 Velocar Type H

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$10,350 USD | Sold

United States | Madison, Georgia

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ID No.
365791

Highly optioned.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Charles Mochet

Origin: Puteaux, France

Production: 650

Motor: Zürcher 1-cyl, 2-stroke

Displacement: 99 cc

Power: 1 hp

Length: 6 ft. 10 in.

Identification No. N/A

The French population had pedaled their way through the five fuel-less years of the Occupation. Perhaps it was now a new world, or perhaps people were tired of pedaling. Nevertheless, Georges Mochet had taken note of the aftermarket fitting of small motors before the war and decided to offer a legitimate, factory-designed, motorized version of his own, the Type H.

With the motor-assist, there was really only one set of pedals needed, so the second set was deleted to balance out the cost. The motor was started simply by pedaling, as on a moped. The dérailleur gears were dropped, as the motor came with two speed gears, and a windshield was now fitted as standard. A handbrake was fitted, which contracted external bands on the rear drums.

The Type H continued in production until 1948, even after the introduction of the Type K. Some were sold with twin pedal sets, and the dérailleur gears were used on the pre-war Velocars. This example was repaired in France and includes the extra 8,500 franc top and side-screens, a wiper, a bulb horn, and two charming bicycle headlamps. It has lovely patina, which serves as a reminder of how these vehicles actually looked in daily use.