Saroléa 1937 589 cc sv 37T-6 Eclaireur Military model 3503

Saroléa 1937 589 cc Side Valve “37T-6 ‘’Eclaireur” Military model frame & engine # 105692

From 1930 on the Saroléa type numbering system changed in that the type number started with the model year, so the 37T was model T of 1937. This was a side valve model, available in 494 cc capacity as the T-5 and in 589 cc as T-6. Saroléa had introduced the sloping engine for the 1931 model range. At that time many factories designed machines with forward leaning engines for several reasons: from a technical point of view the machines could be built lower, so the road holding improved. The accessibility of the cylinder head also got better in many cases. But the esthetical approach was also important: many motorcycles looked so much better with an inclined engine.
When German troops invaded the Rhineland in March 1936, many European countries started to make haste with modernizing their armies. The Belgian government accelerated the motorization of the armed forces and commissioned the firms of F.N., Saroléa and Gillet to develop models for military use. Saroléa established machines in the 350 SV class and 600 OHV and SV class and even designed a flat twin with driven sidecar wheel. The military singles were derived from the standard civilian models with a number of modifications.
The machine we offer is the T-6 model, that was built from 1937-1940 in military guise. “Eclaireur” means “Scout” and these machines were used as despatch riders mounts and for reconnaissance. Modifications included longer front forks to get more ground clearance, a stronger frame, high-level exhaust, a protective shield under the engine and special profile tyres. This well-restored sturdy machine has bore x stroke dimensions of 88 x 97 mm and comes with Bosch lighting and ignition, Amal carb, 140 km Smiths speedo and pillion seat.