FN 1931 M 70 C Sahara 346 cc 1 cyl sv 3607

FN 1931 M 70 C “Sahara” 346 cc side valve frame # 69284 engine # 19209

At the end of 1923 FN presents a 350 cc single cylinder ohv with unit construction engine. This model, the M60, is the start of a successful new line of models in a period in which the heavy and expensive four cylinder is quickly loosing ground. Two years later a bigger 500 cc brother is brought out, the M 67. Shortly after that FN four cylinder production is finished. The ohv singles are very successful, but the factory realises they are mainly appealing to the sporty type of rider so it’s decided to produce a side valve unit construction model, the M70, as a utilitarian type of machine. The M70 has bore/stroke dimensions of 74×80.5 mm, unit construction engine and 3-speed gearbox. The external flywheel of the early models is coloured red, hence the model’s nickname of “Moulin Rouge”. To prove the model’s reliability two French army officers and a Belgian mechanic cross the Sahara desert with M70s in April, May and June 1927. They cover 6300 KM of desert without the machines failing them. A heroic performance, that brings much publicity to the factory and coines the name “Sahara” for the brave little machine.
The Sahara is a very successful machine: it’s an easy starter, its reliability is high and it has a remarkable top speed of more than 90 km/ hour. Petrol consumption amounts to 2 ½ litres per 100 km, oil consumption to 150 cc per 100 km and the weight is a mere 100 kg. As to maintenance, the 1929 brochure boldly declares: “virtually non-existent”.
The machine we present is an older restoration, She’s fitted with electric lighting that is furnished by a battery. She has a nice original Terry saddle, two tool bags and an oil can on the back of the luggage carrier. She comes with current Belgian registration.