DOLLAR
175cc CT3 Sport - 1927
When the Dollar made sense
This active little factory
based near Paris began production in 1925 and specialized in four-stroke
machines. They had a range of 125, 175 and 350cc models – all with
overhead-valves – in an exceptional line-up for the period.
Choice of Tires
The 125 and 175 were initially
offered with a separate two-speed, chain-driven gearbox and belt final drive.
Then in 1927, the Sport model received chain final drive in conjunction with a
three-speed gearbox with a tank-side shift lever. Following a popular trend,
each model was offered with the choice of standard tires or large-section
balloon comfort tires.
Expensive Sports Model
Launched in 1927, the 175 CT3
Sport had a fuel consumption of 100 mpg. Priced at $830, this four-stroke cost
more than most two-strokes of the same displacement. The Peugeot 175 cost $690,
and the single-speed Motobécane was only $285, but the Dollar offered
performance equal to a 250 two-stroke. Dollar's policy of mass-market sales led
to a lowering of its price, and these shiny little Dollars enjoyed great
success and made a contribution to the growth of the marque. Another
indispensable feature was Dollar's sports record: Ridden by Clech, Lascombe and
Druz, the 125, 175 and 250 Dollars achieved many competition successes,
including in 1932, four world records in the 125 category. The most impressive
was a flying kilometre covered at 65.5 mph. However, during 1927, Dollar
abandoned the small-capacity four-strokes. They offered only a 175cc
two-stroke, in addition to new 350 and 500 models with unit-construction Chaise
engines.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 175cc (60x61mm)
air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: separate
chain-driven Staub 3-speed; chain final drive
Suspension: girder forks
(front); rigid (rear)
Brakes: drum (front &
rear)
Wheels: 650x50mm or 675x75mm
wire clincher (front & rear)
Maximum Speed: 53 mph
The Dollar 175 CT3 Sport was
an affordable lightweight four-stroke, though it was still far more expensive
than contemporary two-stroke models.
|