Hirano - Valmobile - 49 cc - 1956
07
days
03
hours
47
minutes
18
seconds
Current bid
€ 260
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by John Searle
Over 25 years' experience with classic motorcycles and international racing participation.
Estimate € 5,000 - € 5,500
33 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 5491 | €260 | |
|---|---|---|
 Bidder 3698 | €240 | |
 Bidder 5037 | €220 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 123053 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Production of the Valmobile 'suitcase scooter' by the Hirano Motorcycle Company of Japan began in 1956, after the previous manufacturer Martin-Moulet struggled to find success for the Valmobile in its native France. In the mid-1950s to the early 1960s, Japan and the United States were experiencing a bit of scooter-mania, and Hirano used clever marketing and a strong dealer network to boost sales of the Valmobile.
The Hirano-built Valmobile was powered by a 50cc, two-stroke engine, and used a single-speed transmission operated by a centrifugal clutch, making it perfect for beginner riders. Unfolding the Valmobile involved lifting the seat, removing the handlebars, cross-member, and front wheel, and assembling everything without tools. Advertising claimed that the process only took 30 seconds (perhaps after some practice). When folded, it weighs about 75 lbs. Several options were available, including two-person seats, saddle bags, a converter sprocket for hill climbing, and even a fold-away sidecar.
Hirano sold nearly 100,000 Valmobile scooters until production finally ceased in 1961.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Hirano Motorcycle Company
Country of Origin: Japan
Drivetrain configuration: mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Engine: 49cc Hirano two-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder, 2.8hp
Transmission: Single-speed variator
Top Speed: 35 mph
Years of production: 1955 – 1956 (Martin-Moulet), Hirano (1956-1961)
Number produced: 100,000
Original Cost: $245 USD
This Valmobile was recently imported from Japan, where we purchased it from a major collector/museum. It should be the most original Valmobile remaining in the world.
The bike is 100% complete and original, but it would need a start-up if you want to ride it. The belt is no longer usable, but they preferred to keep it as it is still the first and original belt.
Can be seen and picked up at 8000 Bruges, Belgium. Can be shipped worldwide.
Japanese export documents available.
A must-have collector's piece for a museum or enthusiast.
Production of the Valmobile 'suitcase scooter' by the Hirano Motorcycle Company of Japan began in 1956, after the previous manufacturer Martin-Moulet struggled to find success for the Valmobile in its native France. In the mid-1950s to the early 1960s, Japan and the United States were experiencing a bit of scooter-mania, and Hirano used clever marketing and a strong dealer network to boost sales of the Valmobile.
The Hirano-built Valmobile was powered by a 50cc, two-stroke engine, and used a single-speed transmission operated by a centrifugal clutch, making it perfect for beginner riders. Unfolding the Valmobile involved lifting the seat, removing the handlebars, cross-member, and front wheel, and assembling everything without tools. Advertising claimed that the process only took 30 seconds (perhaps after some practice). When folded, it weighs about 75 lbs. Several options were available, including two-person seats, saddle bags, a converter sprocket for hill climbing, and even a fold-away sidecar.
Hirano sold nearly 100,000 Valmobile scooters until production finally ceased in 1961.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Hirano Motorcycle Company
Country of Origin: Japan
Drivetrain configuration: mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Engine: 49cc Hirano two-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder, 2.8hp
Transmission: Single-speed variator
Top Speed: 35 mph
Years of production: 1955 – 1956 (Martin-Moulet), Hirano (1956-1961)
Number produced: 100,000
Original Cost: $245 USD
This Valmobile was recently imported from Japan, where we purchased it from a major collector/museum. It should be the most original Valmobile remaining in the world.
The bike is 100% complete and original, but it would need a start-up if you want to ride it. The belt is no longer usable, but they preferred to keep it as it is still the first and original belt.
Can be seen and picked up at 8000 Bruges, Belgium. Can be shipped worldwide.
Japanese export documents available.
A must-have collector's piece for a museum or enthusiast.
Details
Brand
Hirano
Model Type
Valmobile
Engine size (in cc)
49
Year of first registration
1956
Condition
for restart
Registration papers
Invoice with engine number and frame number
Frame number
PSB-2209
Located in country
Belgium
Sold by
Disclaimer
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
