Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1933 Saroléa Model 33F
No Reserve - Extremely rare and superbly restored pre-war Belgian racer
Registration No: Un-Registered
Frame No: 160044
MOT: Exempt
Extremely rare survivor of Saroléa's 350cc sports-racing model
Restored to a concours standard from 2008 to 2010 for a private collection
Supplied with history including a copy of the original customer order
The Road and Race Collection
Established in Herstal in 1850 by Joseph Saroléa as an arms factory, the Belgian marque of Saroléa branched into bicycle production in 1892, and from 1898 became one of the first companies in the world to put motorcycles into sustained series production. A range of OHV “sloper” models was introduced in December, 1930, and across the following decade Saroléa became very active in racing, attracting several high-profile Continental riders. F-suffixes denoted the 500cc racers, and R-suffixes the 500s. Their specifications included kick-starters and foot-change.
Racing Saroléas are extremely rare, so this 33F well-deserved its concours-standard 2008-10 restoration by Belgian Saroléa specialist Marc Goes of SOS Moto Parts. The vendor, a collector of first-class historic motorcycles, acquired it in 2007 from Belgian dealer Hans Devos of HD-Classics, and commissioned the restoration, which exceeded £15, 000. Factory records indicate frame 160044 was sold new to M. Marchand of Lyons on May 19th, 1934. Never registered with the DVLA, this superb period racer would be a guaranteed head-turner, and probably an award-winner, on its first post-restoration rally appearance.
The history file includes much correspondence with Hans Devos and Marc Goes, a copy of 160044’s entry in the factory order book, a copy of the July, 2010, issue of Auto Motor Klassiek in which 160044 was pictured, and many pictures taken before and during the restoration. Bidders should be aware that import duties may be payable, and recommissioning will be required. They may also note that this bike was previously believed to be a 32F, but its correct identity was established upon the discovery of the Saroléa order book in 2012.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
