FN - M70 - Sahara - 350 cc - 1928

Starting bid
€ 1

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Davide Marelli
Expert
Selected by Davide Marelli

With 15 years' trade experience, he has written extensively for moped magazines.

Estimate  € 5,000 - € 5,900
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Description from the seller

Beautiful FN M70 Sahara, a genuine pre-war Belgian classic.

The engine is loose and complete; it needs inspection and checking before it can be ridden again.

Year of manufacture is approximately 1930. The provincial registration N-36193 was issued in 1933 to J.M.A. Vogels of Oirschot, North Brabant.

Comes with a professional invoice detailing the frame number and engine number; no other registration is present.

In late 1923 FN introduced a 350 cc single-cylinder overhead-valve engine with a unit construction on the market. This model, the M60, was the beginning of a successful new line at a time when the heavy and expensive four-cylinder quickly lost ground.

Two years later a larger 500 cc brother appeared, the M67. Shortly thereafter, production of four-cylinder engines at FN was completely stopped. The overhead-valve engines had been very successful, but the factory realized they were mainly attractive to sporty riders. Therefore it was decided to produce a model with side valves and unit construction as a utilitarian machine.

The M70 model had a bore/stroke ratio of 74 × 80.5 mm, a unit-construction engine, and a 3-speed gearbox.

The external flywheel of the early models was painted red, hence the nickname "Moulin Rouge" for this model.

To prove the model’s reliability, two French army officers and a Belgian mechanic crossed the Sahara Desert in April, May and June 1927 with M 70s. They covered 6300 km across the desert without the machines letting them down.

A heroic achievement that gave the factory a lot of publicity and earned the name "Sahara" for the brave little machine.

The Sahara was a very successful machine: it started easily, was highly reliable, and had an impressive top speed of more than 90 km/h.

The FN M70 is a historic motorcycle produced by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN), a Belgian company famed for its contribution to the motor industry in the early 20th century. A historic motorcycle that reflects FN’s rich heritage. This unique machine is equipped with a robust 348cc side-valve single-cylinder engine, known for its reliability and smooth performance.

The M70 stands out for its classic design elements and exceptional craftsmanship. The stylish black fuel tank with the iconic FN logo, the sturdy spoked wheels, and the authentic headlight give this motorcycle a timeless look. The leather saddle and traditional suspension ensure a comfortable ride, while the simple operation offers a charming riding experience that takes you back to the golden era of motorcycling.

This FN M70 is not only a piece of riding history but also a splendid collectible for classic motorcycle enthusiasts. With its carefully maintained original parts and its classic charm, this motorcycle is an investment in both heritage and riding pleasure.

Don’t miss this chance to own a true historical jewel – the M70 awaits a new owner who will truly value and cherish its rich history.

Beautiful FN M70 Sahara, a genuine pre-war Belgian classic.

The engine is loose and complete; it needs inspection and checking before it can be ridden again.

Year of manufacture is approximately 1930. The provincial registration N-36193 was issued in 1933 to J.M.A. Vogels of Oirschot, North Brabant.

Comes with a professional invoice detailing the frame number and engine number; no other registration is present.

In late 1923 FN introduced a 350 cc single-cylinder overhead-valve engine with a unit construction on the market. This model, the M60, was the beginning of a successful new line at a time when the heavy and expensive four-cylinder quickly lost ground.

Two years later a larger 500 cc brother appeared, the M67. Shortly thereafter, production of four-cylinder engines at FN was completely stopped. The overhead-valve engines had been very successful, but the factory realized they were mainly attractive to sporty riders. Therefore it was decided to produce a model with side valves and unit construction as a utilitarian machine.

The M70 model had a bore/stroke ratio of 74 × 80.5 mm, a unit-construction engine, and a 3-speed gearbox.

The external flywheel of the early models was painted red, hence the nickname "Moulin Rouge" for this model.

To prove the model’s reliability, two French army officers and a Belgian mechanic crossed the Sahara Desert in April, May and June 1927 with M 70s. They covered 6300 km across the desert without the machines letting them down.

A heroic achievement that gave the factory a lot of publicity and earned the name "Sahara" for the brave little machine.

The Sahara was a very successful machine: it started easily, was highly reliable, and had an impressive top speed of more than 90 km/h.

The FN M70 is a historic motorcycle produced by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN), a Belgian company famed for its contribution to the motor industry in the early 20th century. A historic motorcycle that reflects FN’s rich heritage. This unique machine is equipped with a robust 348cc side-valve single-cylinder engine, known for its reliability and smooth performance.

The M70 stands out for its classic design elements and exceptional craftsmanship. The stylish black fuel tank with the iconic FN logo, the sturdy spoked wheels, and the authentic headlight give this motorcycle a timeless look. The leather saddle and traditional suspension ensure a comfortable ride, while the simple operation offers a charming riding experience that takes you back to the golden era of motorcycling.

This FN M70 is not only a piece of riding history but also a splendid collectible for classic motorcycle enthusiasts. With its carefully maintained original parts and its classic charm, this motorcycle is an investment in both heritage and riding pleasure.

Don’t miss this chance to own a true historical jewel – the M70 awaits a new owner who will truly value and cherish its rich history.

Details

Brand
FN
Model type
M70 - Sahara
Engine size (in cc)
350
Year of first registration
1928
Condition
for restart
Registration papers
Invoice with engine number and frame number
Frame number
56068
Engine number
2978
Located in country
Netherlands
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No

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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.

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