Contrary to a very common misconception, not all Solex 3800s were manufactured in 1966. And no, just because a date is inscribed on the engine doesn't necessarily mean it's your moped's manufacturing year!
The date found on the front of the engine actually corresponds to the 3800 model's homologation, in other words, its type approval. However, its production continued for many years after 1966. It's safe to say that relying solely on this indication can be misleading.
So, how do you correctly date your Solex? Follow the guide 👇
The engine number: the key to identification 🔍
Each Solex has a unique identification number, engraved directly into the engine casing. This number allows for the identification of the model and the determination of its production year.
Depending on the era and model, the location of this engraving varies:
On older models, it is located in a small oval at the rear of the engine casing;
On models ranging from 17010 to 2200 V1, it is located above the fuel pump;
On newer Solex models, it is located at the very rear of the engine casing.
Once this number is found, you have the essential information to trace the history of your machine.
Identify your Solex model
The first essential step is to determine the model of your moped. The table below will help you know if you are proudly riding a 2200, a legendary 3800, or an even rarer ancestor.
|
Engine No. |
Solex Model |
Production Period |
|
From 0 to 1000 |
Vélosolex Prototype |
May 1946 |
|
From 1000 to 140 095 |
45 with 650 wheels |
May 1946 to June 1951 |
|
From 140 096 to 325 205 |
45 with 600 wheels |
June 1951 to October 1953 |
|
From 325 206 to 653 388 |
Solex 330 |
October 1953 to September 1955 |
|
From 653 389 to 1 016 250 |
Solex 660 |
September 1955 to April 1957 |
|
From 1 016 251 to 1 394 500 |
Solex 1010 |
April 1957 to September 1958 |
|
From 1 394 501 to 1 702 028 |
Solex 1400 |
September 1958 to October 1959 |
|
From 1 702 029 to 2 202 000 |
Solex 1700 |
October 1959 to May 1961 |
|
From 2 202 001 to 3 283 292 |
Solex 2200 |
May 1961 to October 1964 |
|
From 3 283 293 to 3 799 999 |
Solex 3300 |
October 1964 to April 1966 |
|
From 3 800 000 to 9 007 451 and beyond |
Solex 3800 |
April 1966 to October 1976 and beyond |
|
From 7 000 002 to 9 006 225 and beyond |
Solex 5000 |
From 1971 to 1976 and beyond |
More accurately dating your Solex 📅
Once the model is identified, you can go further and refine the production year using the engine number. The second table will allow you to match your number to a "model" year.
|
From |
To |
Model Year |
|
1 000 |
4 198 |
1946 |
|
4 199 |
12 974 |
1947 |
|
12 975 |
38 978 |
1948 |
|
38 979 |
79 671 |
1949 |
|
79 672 |
117 016 |
1950 |
|
117 017 |
179 396 |
1951 |
|
179 397 |
254 684 |
1952 |
|
254 685 |
353 319 |
1953 |
|
353 320 |
513 717 |
1954 |
|
513 718 |
709 949 |
1955 |
|
709 950 |
935 845 |
1956 |
|
935 846 |
1 222 307 |
1957 |
|
1 222 308 |
1 509 600 |
1958 |
|
1 509 601 |
1 770 000 |
1959 |
|
1 770 001 |
2 047 000 |
1960 |
|
2 047 001 |
2425 000 |
1961 |
|
2 425 001 |
2 735 000 |
1962 |
|
2 735 001 |
3 012 503 |
1963 |
|
3 012 504 |
3 352 005 |
1964 |
|
3 352 006 |
3 677 369 |
1965 |
|
3 677 370 |
3 966 635 |
1966 |
|
3 966 636 |
4,252,835 |
1967 |
|
4,252,836 |
4,533,056 |
1968 |
|
4,533,057 |
4,600,284 |
1969 |
|
4,600,285 |
4,713,000 |
1970 |
|
4,713,001 |
4,767,150 |
1971 |
|
4,767,151 |
4,816,550 |
1972 |
|
4,816,551 |
4,859,700 |
1973 |
|
4,859,701 |
4,914,599 |
1974 |
|
4,914,600 |
? |
1975 |
And for the Solex 5000?
The case of the Solex 5000 is a bit special. Its production took place in parallel with that of the 3800, which explains why the engine numbers no longer follow the same logic. The specific table below will nevertheless give you a good estimate of the year of manufacture.
|
From |
To |
Model year |
|
7,000,002 |
7,079,594 |
1971 |
|
7,079,595 |
7,117,673 |
1972 |
|
7,117,674 |
7,155,660 |
1973 |
|
7,155,661 |
7,224,291 |
1974 |
|
7,224,292 |
? |
1975 |
The limits of identification
It is difficult to go beyond the year 1975, because at that time Vélosolex was successively acquired by Motobécane, then Yamaha (MBK). The numbering system then changed completely, making identification more complex.
Similarly, Solex models intended for export are particularly difficult to date: their numbering seems to have followed a different logic, and the available archives are incomplete.
Chassis number: a false lead ❌
Unlike other vehicles, there has never been a real chassis number that formally identifies a Solex. Some models do have a number stamped on the bottom of the bottom bracket, but this does not allow, according to the factory data still available, to determine the model year with certainty.
👉 Only the engine number is authoritative.
The charm of the old ❤️
Last but not least: over the decades, it is entirely possible that the engine of your Solex has been replaced... or even that the crankcase has been re-engraved. In this case, identification becomes more uncertain, and you could very well end up with a 330 frame fitted with a 3800 engine.
But after all, it is also this mix of history, DIY, and experience that makes the irresistible charm of old vehicles.