1977 Gitane Champion Super Veloce | Shed Find in 4k

@fanticman | Original Music - 'Veloce' by Fantic Man ©2024.
Its July 1977, the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations were continuing, James Hunt had just won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Donna Summer was 'Top of the Pops' with I Feel Love (of more interest to me was Pretty Vacant by the Sex Pistols at No. 6!) and there was a mad rush to register the last of the unrestricted 50cc mopeds before the law changed to 30mph 'slopeds' on the 1st August.
This Gitane Champion Super Veloce was registered in the final week of July 1977 and was last on the road in 1982.
In mostly original condition, it looks like the Malaguti Olympique exhausts, the linoleum seat (!) and the 50mph caravan/trailer maximum towing speed stickers were clearly added in period. The fibreglass body and fairing are in excellent condition, although part of the fairing and the mounting bracket have been cut down at the top, maybe to accommodate the damaged screen. The engine turns over and has lots of compression but a full rebuild will be necessary like the rest of the bike.
Clearly, the restoration of this fabulous sports moped will not be the work of a single weekend!
Filmed with an Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Edited in DaVinci Resolve 18.6.6

[@KarmaChameleon3029]

I'm excited to see you work your magic, Can't wait to see it restored to it's former glory!

[@fanticman]

I'll try my best! Going to take a fair time, but will be worth it in the end.

[@paulscountry456]

They made great bicycles too .

[@fanticman]

Yes, both of my Gitane mopeds are from the Bernard Hinault era, my other one from 1980 when Renault had taken total control of Micmo.

[@paulscountry456]

@@fanticman i remember seeing them at Green Lake Cycle in Seattle around 75 , they were more expensive than a Peugeot or Shwinn

[@1976PEZZA]

Lovely! Mind you, there is a lot of work there! Good luck.

[@fanticman]

Thanks very much. A lot to do for sure, it's just deciding how far to go. The paintwork is pretty good and all original.

[@pucherner4643]

@@fanticman My father bought a Testi Championveloce (not Gitane Testi but Italian made) for me in 1977. It is still in my garage - in nearly original conditions - see kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5zdY2iCfKeMo9k. Keep it as original as possible and have fun. Best regards, Heinz (Graz, Austria)

[@fanticman]

@@pucherner4643 Wow, amazing! I remember seeing photos of your bike now.

[@mrsilbo6499]

That'll keep you busy! With a 19mm Dell'Orto carb it should be a flyer. Maybe the ultimate development of the Minarelli engine, perhaps the fastest of all the sports 'peds?

[@fanticman]

This is the second one I've been lucky enough to own. They were sold in very small numbers, I know of 12 that still exist. I think the Fantic Mik26 160.13.6102 and the GT Super Six 220.13.6100 were the ultimate 'production' versions of the Minarelli P6 but the Gitane is a super-lightweight and runs a tiny 34 tooth rear sprocket to maximise the top speed. The petrol tank as part of the frame, the mono shock rear suspension, fibreglass monocoque body and fairing certainly made this the ultimate moped in 1976 and 77 in my opinion. Here is my previous Gitane - kzbin.info/www/bejne/havEg2CGe9GLf9ksi=1e_7GsJkUKG7_DCI&t=17

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@fanticman I still lust after a Fantic Caballero! Well that or a green Garelli Tiger Cross. Ever restored one of those?

[@fanticman]

@@mrsilbo6499 Done a few Caballeros; a 1972 Super Special, a couple of TX190s and the ultimate TX160 Mic 26. Never been near a Garelli...yet!

[@robertguest5309]

split single👍😆

[@fanticman]

@@robertguest5309 Yes, but not the original exhaust. Its from a Malaguti Olympique.