René Gillet Type J 1000cm3 + Side-car circa 1929

Chassis n° 9339 Engine n°J17619451 Ernest Richard sidecar French registration This Réne Gillet Type J was acquired by its current owner at the end of the sixties during a sale of the estate. There is no doubt that it served in the French army. As was customary in the army, the engine has been changed and dates from 9 April 1951. Following its purchase, it will be entirely restored by the specialist Demeulier in Beauvais who will add the side-car. René Gillet was one of the great glories of the French motorbike industry. After manufacturing his first motorbike in 1895, he created a brand in 1898 and filed his first patent in 1904. Born with the twentieth century, René Gillet's bikes were quickly appreciated for their reliability and robustness. For decades, the 750 V Twin laterals were the preferred motorbikes of the French army and police. During the interwar period, the sidecar was the ideal means of transport for the familes. Engaged in many endurance races, (the Bol d'Or won several times), these motorbikes will also make the joy of the amateur pilots. Unfortunately, like most French manufacturers, René Gillet did not manage to return to the forefront after the Second World War. The brand was first bought by Peugeot and then disappeared in 1958. From the drawers of oblivion, we have found very little information on the "Ernest Richard" sidecar. The general appearance is, in any case, very close to that of a Bernardet, further research is required. The bike has been converted to coil/battery for more reliable use. To return to its original configuration, the magneto will have to be revised. Having not been ridden for four years, the usual checks and maintenance will have to be carried out to get back on the road. The doyenne of French brands, as it was presented in its period advertisements, has left its mark on the French motorcycling landscape in many ways. The J 1000 in particular is a rare motorbike that, once settle in a collection, hardly ever leaves it. Apart from the engine number, the G and J models (older) are identified from the K and L models by the presence of a fixed frame at the rear, while a rear suspension system will be fitted to the following models. The beautiful speedometer with a black Jaeger background typical of the René Gillet models is well present