BELGIUM ~ Gillet Sport - Iconic Belgium Motorbikes ~

... First of two nice Belgian postcards issued by Bpost and made into maxicards by Johan💙... .Gillet, established in Herstal, marketed its first motorcycle in 1920... "Gillet Sport" was launched in 1923... the 350cc Gillet Sport "Tour du Monde" pictured belonged to the famous adventurer Robert Fabry and made a 20,000km journey across the Sahara... aviator and motorcyclist Robert Fabry was looking for a landing spots for planes en route from Belgium to the then colony and used this Gillet Sport to do so.... carrying 470kg of luggage... the bike would be dismantled 38 times in the course of the journey and carried in pieces across Congo's Rutshuru mountains... this true gem in the field of motorcycling history can be seen in the The Museum of Walloon Life...  with matching stamp and wonderful "motorcycle" first day cancellation👍... Héééééél Erg Bedankt Johan!ヽ(•‿•)ノ 

The Belgian motorcycle industry was once a leader in the motorcycle world. This industry started in the early 19th century, but died a silent death between 1960-1970. The most important brands were located in the Liège region. In particular FN, Sarol�a and Gillet.Gillet-Herstal was one of the three major Belgian motorcycle brands (alongside Sarolea and FN). The addition "Herstal" was to distinguish it from the Paris-built brand "Rene Gillet". 

 

Stamp:

Classic Belgian Motorcycles

(Issued 22-01-2024)