1928 San-Sou-Pap SS17 “Bol d'Or” – Original, Running, Unrestored French Racer

The Story Behind the Machine 

In the petrol-soaked years following the Great War, France was rebuilding—and its motorcyclists were racing. Among the small workshops that dotted the Parisian industrial suburbs, one name stood apart: San-Sou-Pap. The name itself—a playful contraction of sans soupapes, or “without valves”—was a declaration of intent. Founded in 1923 by Éts. Desouches, David & Cie in Pantin, just north of Paris, the company dedicated itself to the two-stroke engine at a time when most of Europe still swore by four-stroke complexity. Simplicity meant reliability, and reliability won races.

The Bol d'Or—the oldest and most punishing 24-hour motorcycle endurance race in the world—was the ultimate proving ground. From 1924 onward, the race tested men and machines over a full day of relentless lapping at circuits like Saint-Germain-en-Laye. In the lightweight 175cc class, San-Sou-Pap became a force to be reckoned with. In 1926, the brand set a record with an average speed of 64.20 km/h over 1,493 km. In 1928—the very year this motorcycle was built—San-Sou-Pap swept the top three places in the 175cc class. The model name “SS17” stood for Sport—and this was a machine built to win.

The SS17 “Bol d'Or” was San-Sou-Pap's sporting flagship: a 175cc single-cylinder two-stroke, lightweight, agile, and tuned for competition. Its 2-speed gearbox, magneto ignition, and chain drive were state-of-the-art for the late 1920s. This was the motorcycle that put French two-stroke engineering on the map—and it did so against British, German, and Italian giants. Today, surviving San-Sou-Pap motorcycles are exceptionally rare. The marque ceased production in 1936 (with some sources citing 1947), and few examples remain in original, unrestored condition. This is not just a motorcycle—it is a piece of French motorsport history, unchanged for nearly a century.

The Bike

This 1928 San-Sou-Pap SS17 presents in remarkable original condition—and it runs. Unlike most barn finds that have sat dormant for decades, this motorcycle is fully functional, starts, and runs as it should. The engine—the heart of this racing legend—remains alive.

What has been changed (period-correct modifications)

• Flywheel: The original flywheel has been replaced with a lighter aluminium version— a period-correct performance upgrade. Lighter rotating mass means quicker revs, sharper throttle response, and a more responsive machine on the road or track.

What needs attention:

• Fuel tank: Requires cleaning. After decades of storage, the tank has accumulated sediment and varnish from old fuel. This is a standard maintenance item for any vintage motorcycle and should not be viewed as a major restoration hurdle.

Mechanical status: ✅ Runs – starts and is fully functional.

Why this matters: The SS17 is powered by San-Sou-Pap's own 175cc two-stroke engine, fitted with a Gurtner M20 D carburator and with twin ports—a design that was advanced for its time. Parts for these engines are exceptionally rare. The fact that this engine runs—and runs well—is extraordinary. Most surviving examples are either seized, incomplete, or have been restored beyond recognition. This motorcycle offers the rare opportunity to acquire a running, unrestored example of a French racing legend.

Other condition notes:

• Bodywork: Original, unrestored. The fuel tank retains its period character (will benefit from internal cleaning). The front mudguard features a fascinating period detail: a plaque bearing the name of the original selling garage—“D. Jiordano a Fuveau B.D.R.”—a wonderful piece of provenance that tells the story of this motorcycle's first owner in the Bouches-du-Rhône. 

• Registration: The number “3436CA2” confirms this motorcycle was registered in 1929 in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, France—adding further historical authenticity.

• Electrics: Magneto ignition—period correct and functional.

• Included: Airpump and tool bag. The tank is fitted with a mounting point for an AFA or André steering stabiliser—a detail that speaks to the machine's sporting intentions.

• Gearbox: 2-speed manual, period correct.

  Brakes: these motorbikes were fitted with front-wheel brakes, which was unusual for that era!

This 1928 SS17 Bol d'Or sits squarely in the sweet spot:

• It runs—immediately usable, not a long-term project

• It is unrestored—preserving its original patina and history

• It has period-correct modifications—not modern alterations, but genuine era upgrades

• It comes with provenance—original dealer plaque, 1929 French registration

Simple math: Acquire this running, historic French racer at a fraction of the cost of a restored example. Enjoy it as-is, or undertake a sympathetic preservation—either way, you are buying into a collector market that only continues to appreciate.

Known Issues 

• Fuel tank requires internal cleaning – sediment and varnish from old fuel

• Original flywheel replaced – lighter aluminium version fitted (period-correct, era manufacture)
  

• 🔍 Original tool bag – present good condition

• 🔍 Original pump – present, functional status to be confirmed

• 📋 No mention of original keys – verify with seller

• 🛞 Tires are period-original – likely require replacement for regular road use (3.00 x 25″)

What's Included

• ✅ Complete motorcycle in original, unrestored condition

• ✅ Original pump

• ✅ Original tool bag

• ✅ Tank fitted with mounting point for AFA/André steering stabiliser

• ✅ Front mudguard with original dealer plaque (“D. Jiordano a Fuveau B.D.R.”)

• ✅ French registration number “3436CA2” (1929, Bouches-du-Rhône)

• ✅ Clear provenance—original selling garage documented

Auction Details

Why Bid?

This is not just a motorcycle—it is a survivor from the golden age of French motorsport. In 1928, San-Sou-Pap conquered the Bol d'Or, sweeping the podium in the 175cc class. This very model—the SS17—was the machine that made it possible. Nearly a century later, it still runs. It still bears its original dealer plaque. It still carries the 1929 French registration that marked its first journey.

Most vintage motorcycles at this level are either rusted hulks or over-restored museum pieces that have lost their soul. This San-Sou-Pap offers something rarer: an original, running, usable piece of history. The period-correct modifications—the endurance handlebar, the lighter flywheel—only add to its authenticity. These are exactly the changes a period racer would have made.

The opportunity is simple: Buy into a collector market at entry-level pricing. Enjoy a running, historic French motorcycle while values continue to rise. Restore sympathetically or preserve as-is—either way, you are the custodian of a legend.

Sold as-is, where-is. Good luck and happy bidding!