Post-Sale Update: After 16 bids on eBay, this Gnome et Rhone Model D sold for $6,495.
The Gnome et Rhone Model D is an incredibly rare bike from a French company best known for making aircraft engines. Before they were nationalized, however, they blessed the world with some interesting motorcycles and bicycles.
The Model D was built after World War I ended, reducing the demand for aircraft engines. This bike features a 500cc 4-stroke engine that produced 5 horsepower. Weighing just over 300 pounds and equipped with a three speed transmission, the Model D was capable of approximately 60 miles per hour.
This specific Gnome et Rhone Model D is a little bit of a mystery. The seller notes that at some point in the past, the bike was restored, and that it recently sat for 20 years. There are also a couple of inconsistencies, but we consider them excusable – for example, the original bike had an acetylene powered light, with an acetylene tank on the handlebars. This bike currently has an electric head lamp. We think most riders will be fine with that!
Find this Gnome et Rhone Model D for sale with bidding currently up to $3,383 and the reserve not yet met in Dallas, Texas
