MOTOBÉCANE

S5C GS Superculasse / Spanish Army Model - 1939

A rare breed

The Motobécane S5CGS was better-known under the name of "Superculasse” (super cylinder head) because of the huge aluminium casing that topped the engine and concealed all the valve gear. Its design, with all the fixing bolts concealed, was the work of top automotive artist Geo Ham. But very few collectors realize that the "Superculasse” designation covered several different models, including a military version.

Special Components

After winning the Bol d'Or in 1932 and 1933, Motobécane abandoned the race in 1936 after the death of rider René Boura. But the factory continued to back its agents, supplying them with special components; to improve series-production overhead-valve machines.

Sidecar Winners

So in the 1938 Bol d'Or, R55C Motobécanes fitted with the famous Superculasse won the 350 and 600cc sidecar categories. Motobécane also added a Superculasse-equipped 500 – the S5C Grand Sport – to its catalogue. In the 1939 catalogue, there were no less than four Superculasse models, two 350s and two 500s, with either a double exhaust system (R44C and R55C) or single downpipe (S4CGS and S5CGS). Motobécane even carried out a design study of a detuned version of the S5CGS for the French Army, with a three-speed hand-shift gearbox. Just a few examples of that military Motobécane were sold, and that was to the Spanish Army, since the French authorities wanted the company to build Gnome & Rhône D5A machines instead!

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 493cc (80x98mm) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; aluminum head with

bronze combustion chamber; Novi magdyno ignition/ lighting

Power Rating: 13 hp @ 4500 rpm

Valves: overhead; hairpin valve springs

Fuel System: Amal carburetor

Transmission: 3-specd hand-shift, multi-plate clutch; chain final drive

Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (from & rear)

Wheels: 19 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 355 lb

Maximum Speed: 72 mph

This rare Spanish Army Superculasse has – unfortunately – been restored in the civilian colors of the 1938 model (inset) rather than the authentic green drab it originally wore.