Description

1977 Arola

Lyon's Daniel Manon introduced the Arola to the world in January 1976. This little enclosed moped with its distinctive shape set the pattern for a host of such vehicles in the next few years. It was destined to become one of the most successful of the French "voiturettes".

This example is the early 3-wheeled type 11, with power by Sachs "cyclomoteur" and two-speed automatic "Saxonette" drive. The 3 hp motor gave the 242 lb car a top speed of around 40 kph. A pick-up version, the "Super Pratique", with a small box over the rear wheels, was also available.A four-wheeled version, the Type 14 soon followed, with Motobecane 50cc engine.The car grew longer and heavier, and a BCB 125 cc motor became available on the Type 18.

The Minoto was taken over from Bel-Motors, makers of the Veloto, in 1982, by which time the company had relocated to Aix-les-Bains. However, this was unable to keep the company from bankruptcy in 1983. It emerged from the ashes as the well-known firm of Aixxam.

Manufacturer: Arola s.a.r.l., Lyon-Corbas France

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This vehicle was one of the many vehicles sold at the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum Auction in February 2013

Click here to review the auction results in the Market Watch Section of Harry Kraemer's Wheels & Wings site