Beskrivning
This motorcycle is Lot 62 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 62
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 62
1926 Helyett 175cc 2HP
Registration no. BF 6794
Frame no. 146
Engine no. 155
Founded in Sully-sur-Loire, France, Les Ateliers Helyett began as a bicycle manufacturer in 1919 before entering motorcycle production in the mid-1920s. By the late 1920s the company had expanded to a second facility in Orléans and employed around 50 people. The marque name is thought to derive from the heroine of Edmond Audran's operetta Miss Helyette.
Helyett produced a wide range of motorcycles between 1926 and 1955, spanning capacities from under 100cc to large JAP-engined V-twins. Their pre-war catalogue included lightweight two-strokes, touring machines powered by Chaise OHV singles, and impressive transverse-mounted JAP V-twins with shaft drive. Particularly notable were the early-1930s shaft-drive V-twins, whose layout anticipated the later Moto Guzzi configuration. After World War II, production focused on mopeds and lightweight machines up to 175cc, some using Ydral and Lardy engines. The company continued building bicycles until 1962 and enjoyed notable racing success, including victories in the Tour de France in 1957, 1961 and 1962.
This example is an early lightweight model and is fitted with a two-stroke engine believed to be of 175cc capacity, despite being registered to the V5C as 196cc. Ignition is by SAFI flywheel magneto, with a Longuemare carburettor. Final drive is by belt and pulleys directly from the crankshaft to the rear wheel.
Acquired by the current private vendor in June 2019, the machine is believed to have been restored by the previous owner and still presents well. It should require light recommissioning and standard safety checks before returning to the road, hence is sold strictly as seen.
A 2014 Old Bike Mart clipping on file records that a former owner :
"John Hayes (previous owner) recently acquired the French Helyett bearing frame number 146 and engine number 155. It came from a dealer in South Wales, who acquired it in Southern Ireland. Before that it was in the Netherlands (pre-restoration images whilst in the Netherlands on file) and was made by Ateliers Helyett of Sully sur Loire, France. The company was in business from 1926 until 1955 and used a variety of engines including its own (which this is believed to be), JAP and Chaise. These ranged from 100cc up to 750cc, the latter being transversely mounted JAP V-twins with shaft drive".
Offered with a comprehensive history file including:
V5C Registration Certificate (date of registration: 31/ 12/ 1926; first UK registration: 04/ 02/ 2014)
2014 DVLA correspondence regarding registration and allocation of VRN: BF 6794
VMCC Statement of Search
2014 Old Bike Mart magazine clipping
Helyett marque history and specialist correspondence
Villiers Service receipt (2014) for tank sealing
Engine overhaul details
Insurance correspondence (2018) and tax reminder (2019)
Cold-starting instructions
A rare and appealing example of an early French lightweight motorcycle, offered with a good history file.
£2, 200 - 2, 500
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
