1955 MOCHET CM125Y GRAND LUXE
Years of Production: 1955-1958 (all models)
Number produced: ~1,100 (all models)
Engine: Ydral AJ55 124cc 2-stroke single-cylinder
Cooling: Forced air
Transmission: Sequential 3-speed w/ reverse
Starter: Electric Bendix starter (manual pinion engagement)
Electrical: 6V
Power: 5.5 hp
Top speed: ~38 mph
Dimensions (LxWxH): 99”x43.5”x45”
Weight: 505 pounds
Construction: Steel body on tubular steel chassis
Brakes: F & R contracting band
Suspension: F – Sliding kingpin, R – Quarter elliptical leaf spring
Steering: Direct
Tire size: 550x85
The Grand Luxe was originally released in 1952 as a CM125 (not a CM125Y), so it had the powertrain and chassis of the earlier, very different looking CM125 Luxe. It featured an all-new body produced by Carrosier Antem, which gave the car a more modern roadster look.
By the end of 1954, Mochet had built upon the design of the Grand Luxe to create their new CM125Y Berline, with the newer and more powerful Ydral AJ55 replacing the Zürcher engine previously used (the Y in CM125Y indicates the Ydral engine), along with several other significant changes to make an all around more practical car.
Something that went largely unnoticed, however, was that it was actually still possible to order the new CM125Y with the Grand Luxe roadster body for the first year of production. As a result, production of these late roadsters with the new chassis and powertrain was extremely limited (likely less than a dozen), and this is the only one currently known. The doors are also an optional extra that most did not get, with the standard cars simply having swooping cutouts in the bodywork for ingress/egress. The small, extremely minimalistic doors simply cover these cutouts.
This car received a beautiful restoration back in 2000, and it still presents as though it was restored last month. It runs and drives superbly, with the 5.5 horsepower 125cc 2-stroke and 3-speed sequential gearbox being able to propel the 505-pound mass to about 40 miles per hour. The paintwork polished up fantastically, and hard as it may be to believe (even in person), the car is actually an EXTREMELY dark metallic blue. The car also has full weather gear (top and side screens), but topless is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy the Grand Luxe!