Lot 503: c.1928 Dollar 350cc

In the early 1920s, the Charenton-based firm of Delachanal, manufacturers of bicycles under the �Omnium & Spencer� name, diversified into motorcycle production. Europe had developed a fascination for all things American in the aftermath of WWI, prompting Delachanal to choose the name �Dollar� for the new marque and adopt an Indian Chief�s head as its emblem. Production began with a 125cc four-stroke and the little Dollar quickly established a reputation for both durability and speed, achieving numerous race victories and setting a number of records. 175cc and 250cc models followed and the firm�s success forced its relocation to a new factory at Joinville-le-Point. Proprietary engines from Moser, MAG, JAP and Chaise were used at this time, the latter being the creation of Maurice Chaise, formerly chief engineer at Gnome & Rh�ne. Dollar�s sports bikes used Chaise�s new unitary construction, overhead-camshaft engines from 1928 and the firm introduced pressed-steel frames on some of its models. Shaft-drive and rear suspension were other innovative features adopted, and by the early 1903s the Dollar range included a four-cylinder 750. Production did not resume after WW2. This 350cc Dollar has the Chaise unit-construction overhead-cam engine. Restored in the 1990s, this rare machine has not been started while in the current owner�s possession and thus will require re-commissioning before further use.