Hirano - Valmobile - 49 cc - 1956
10
days
07
hours
04
minutes
08
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Davide Marelli
With 15 years' trade experience, he has written extensively for moped magazines.
Estimate € 5,000 - € 5,500
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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 going through a bit of scooter-mania, and Hirano used clever marketing and a healthy dealer network to increase 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 beginning riders. Unfolding the Valmobile involved lifting up the seat, taking out the handlebars, cross-member, and front wheel, and putting it all together without tools. Advertising claimed that the process only took 30 seconds (perhaps after some practice rounds). 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 side car.
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, one-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 bought it from a big collector/museum. It should be the most original Valmobile left in the world.
The bike is 100% complete and original, but would need a start up if you want to drive it. The belt is not usable anymore, but they preferred to keep it as it's 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 going through a bit of scooter-mania, and Hirano used clever marketing and a healthy dealer network to increase 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 beginning riders. Unfolding the Valmobile involved lifting up the seat, taking out the handlebars, cross-member, and front wheel, and putting it all together without tools. Advertising claimed that the process only took 30 seconds (perhaps after some practice rounds). 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 side car.
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, one-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 bought it from a big collector/museum. It should be the most original Valmobile left in the world.
The bike is 100% complete and original, but would need a start up if you want to drive it. The belt is not usable anymore, but they preferred to keep it as it's 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
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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.
