1950's Marcel Gobillot French Cyclo Touring Bicycle

This bicycle is a rare survivor from the "Golden Age" of French cycling, carrying the name of one of the country’s most respected champions: Marcel Gobillot.

The Man Behind the Name

Marcel Gobillot was a pillar of French cycling during the 1920s. An Olympic Gold Medalist (Antwerp, 1920), he was a specialist in the brutal "Classics" and a veteran of the legendary 1926 Tour de France. After retiring from the professional circuit in 1931, Gobillot remained a prominent figure in the industry, lending his name and expertise to a limited number of high-quality, hand-built machines like this one.

The Nivex Innovation

What makes this specific bicycle a prize for collectors and designers is the integrated Nivex derailleur system. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Nivex was the benchmark for engineering excellence.

• Frame-Specific Engineering: The frame features a bespoke, brazed-on mount built directly into the rear dropout. Because the frame had to be designed specifically for this gear system, it marks the bike as a high-end, custom-order build rather than a factory-line model.

• Functional Art: The Nivex "pull-pull" mechanism is an industrial design icon, favored for its precision and its unique, sculptural appearance.

Authentic French Aesthetic

Dating from the late 1940s to the early 1950s, this bike is a perfect example of the "Constructeur" era. It’s characterized by clean lines, hand-finished steel, and the understated "M. Gobillot" signature on the down tube.

For the interior-focused collector, it offers a rich, historical narrative. It isn't just a vintage object; it’s a functional piece of post-war history that represents the grit of the Tour de France and the elegance of mid-century French engineering.

Still with its original vibrant ruby red enamel with fine lining and beautiful M.Gobillot decals on the down tube. Mafac centre pull brakes with LAM levers, Ventose alloy pump, FB hubs with Huret quick release levers. PRYMA leather saddle. 700c wheels with fresh pressure tyres. The frame is 54.5cm ( 21.1/2 inch). 8 speed gears via the rear Nivex gear and double front chainring/ Huret hand gear changer on the saddle tube. 

A beautifully preserved bicycle that has been in dry storage. So will require a service and overhaul to bring it back to the roads. From a private French collection of fine artisan built bicycles. See the other bicycles we have for sale from the same collection.