The Solex

"A silent motor for listening to the sounds of the countryside and the songs of the birds, a speed of 30-35 km/hr for taking pleasure in the beauty of the landscapes and the breeze on your skin without the need of a leather jacket to insulate you from the world--that is exactly what this motor will do to help alleviate all your tensions." Jacques Sternberg's praise for the Solex reaffirms the principal sympathy that this small vehicle has forged since it was first introduced in 1946.

Sensible financiers and engineers, Maurice Goudard and Marcel Mennesson, began in 1916 to design their project of a moped complete with a petrol engine placed on the back wheel and triggered by a stroke of friction. This film invites you to take another look at the story of the world-famous moped in which its style imposes itself upon a society marked not only by economic growth, but also, social change.

Writer, Director :
Hélène Guétary
Genre : Documentary
Length : 26 '
Shooting medium : Digital Beta
Distributor : Arte France
First broadcast : June 13, 2010
Co-producers :
Steamboat Films
Lobster Films
Arte France
Georges Pompidou Center
Partner :
CNC