Servicio Estación S.A, has been a long-standing enterprise, active in various sectors and with its headquarters based in Barcelona. In the 1940s, it was the exclusive Catalan agent for the “Fénix” bicycles made by Echave, Arizmendi y Cia of Eibar. It also became the umbrella organisation for the manufacture of the “SSS” brand mopeds, the first built after the Civil War, with production starting in 1941 and sold under the slogans “fast, elegant and robust” and “the only ones that can be ridden on Saturdays and Sundays”.
The overall design of this early moped was quite old fashioned, and more than one reference suggests that it was influenced by the pre-WW II Lutetia brand (1935-1936). Whatever the origins, the engine of the SSS was an obvious copy of the 1930s Sachs 2 stroke but now in a 75cc version. The accompanying publicity made some strong claims about having manufactured 25 units and, having subjected them to rigorous testing, they were able to confirm that the components of the SSS exceeded the quality of the best foreign brands available. To strengthen this claim, SSS guaranteed to replace any part or even a complete engine that may be defective, within six months of the date of purchase.
In 1943, the short-lived SSS brand was renamed Valsolet and underwent a revamp. The Valsolet moped was a direct successor to the SSS but in 1943, it debuted in two versions: the standard Valsolet and the Valsolet 44, which were largely similar but with slightly different paint schemes. The Valsolet still incorporated the flimsy front fork utilised on the SSS but the introduction of dual reinforcement bars led to added stability. Although the engine remained a derivative of the vintage Sachs, it was enhanced to a 96cc capacity for improved performance (1.25 HP), yet it remained technologically dated for the times.
Performance data for the Valsolet states a maximum speed of 65 kph and an overall consumption of just under 2 litres per 100 kilometres – with a 7 litre reservoir. Regrettably, the Valsolet was plagued by frequent mechanical and electrical failures, leading to the cessation of its production by the close of 1944.
The Valoset “44”
The unrestored 1943 example shown below is part of the Sala Santy Collection and was photographed in August 2023 at Riola, Spain.
Spanish Motorcycles 
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