SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Charles Mochet

Origin: Puteaux, France

Production: 1,250

Motor: Zurcher 1-cyl., 2-stroke

Displacement: 125 cc

Power: 3.5 hp

Length: 7 ft. 10 in.

Identification No. 3520

While the pedal-powered Velocar continued to be produced post-war, there were now a host of small cars to choose from, and the powered version of the wood-bodied Velocar, the Type H, needed to be upgraded to enter a much more competitive marketplace. Adaptation took the form of the Type K, the first Mochet to carry a steel body, and it moved solely on its own power.

The Type K became the “classic” Mochet, the CM-125, which was successful enough to be produced for five years. Part of its success came because the owner could take delivery within a period of weeks, not the many months required by the larger manufacturers to fill orders. Another reason was accessibility: no license was required to drive a car with 125-cubic centimeter displacement. Of course, the absolute simplicity of maintenance of such a basic vehicle also played into its appeal.

This example of a late CM-125 Luxe is a totally original, unrestored barn-find that has remained virtually untouched for nearly six decades. It is largely complete and sports its original maroon paint, top bows, and even the hand-operated windshield wiper. It awaits the gentle touch of a sympathetic restorer or preservationist.