1926 Helyett 175cc 2HP

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.

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