“Step into the past with our curated collection of vintage French and Italian bicycle and motorcycle posters. These authentic works of art capture the innovation, style, and artistry of their time, featuring iconic brands and renowned artists.
38e CRITÉRIUM DU DAUPHINÉ LIBÉRÉ – 1986 (Greg Lemond & Bernard Hinault)
Artist: Anonymous
Date: 1986
Original poster for the 38th Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, printed in France in 1986 by Société Presse, Veurey-Voroize. The Dauphiné Libéré, founded in 1947 by the newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré, takes place annually in the French Alps and is recognized as the principal preparatory race for the Tour de France.
The 1986 edition was won by Urs Zimmermann, with Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault among the competitors. Both riders represented the La Vie Claire team and were using the race to prepare for the Tour de France. The event is remembered as part of the buildup to LeMond’s historic Tour de France victory later that summer, when he became the first American to win the Tour, with Hinault finishing second.
This is an authentic original offset lithograph from 1986, professionally mounted on linen and preserved in excellent condition. It represents an important year in professional cycling, connecting the Dauphiné to one of the most significant Tours in modern history.
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Title: 38e Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré – 1986
Artist: Anonymous
Date: 1986
Printer: Société Presse, Veurey-Voroize
Size: 15.25 x 22.75 inches
Print Type: Offset Lithograph
Condition: Excellent, on linen
Comments: Original French poster for the 1986 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, the major Alpine stage race preceding the Tour de France. Won by Urs Zimmermann, with Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault among the participants. LeMond went on to win the 1986 Tour de France. Rare poster in excellent condition on linen.
CYCLES COMIOT — Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen
Original stone-lithograph plate issued in 1899 at Imprimerie Chaix (Paris) for Les Maîtres de l’Affiche. This plate (no. 183) features Steinlen’s celebrated design for Cycles Comiot, created at the height of the Belle Époque cycling boom.
The poster highlights the exhilaration of modern speed: a rider charges forward on a Comiot bicycle while geese run for cover the composition filled with humor and energy. Steinlen’s strong diagonals and expressive line work capture both motion and excitement, while appealing to the new culture of cycling that swept through Paris in the 1890s.
Les Maîtres de l’Affiche (1895–1900) was a prestigious subscription series directed by Jules Chéret, presenting small-format original lithographs of the era’s most important posters. Printed at Chaix on fine wove paper and issued with the blindstamp, these plates gave collectors direct access to authentic works by leading poster artists, including Steinlen, Mucha, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Chéret himself.
Title: Cycles Comiot
Artist: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859–1923)
Date: 1899 (Les Maîtres de l’Affiche, plate no. 183)
Printer: Imprimerie Chaix, Paris
Size: 11.5 × 15.5 inches (approx. 29 × 39 cm)
Print Type: Stone lithograph
Condition: Excellent “A,” near-mint on fine wove paper with blindstamp
Comments: Authentic plate from Les Maîtres de l’Affiche, produced at Chaix under the direction of Jules Chéret. Bright impression with vivid color. A classic Steinlen design celebrating the energy and humor of early French bicycle advertising.
Michelin Bibendum – Original Italian Poster (1959)
Original 1959 Italian advertising poster featuring Michelin’s famous mascot, Bibendum, astride a motorcycle. This piece reflects the postwar era of tire promotion and the enduring iconography of Michelin. A rare example in excellent condition, it has been professionally mounted on linen for conservation.
Details
Title: Bibendum Michelin
Artist: Anonymous
Date: 1959
Printer: Verga, Milano
Size: 19 x 27 in. / 50 x 70 cm
Print Type: Offset lithograph
Condition: Excellent A, on linen
Comment:
An uncommon Italian Michelin poster, notable for its strong graphics and depiction of Bibendum in a motorcycling context. Well preserved and ready for framing or display.
Michelin Bibendum – Original Italian Bicycle Poster (1959)
This original Italian poster from 1959 shows the ever-friendly Michelin Man, Bibendum, happily pointing to a classic bicycle of the era. It’s a lighthearted image that captures the charm of Michelin advertising in the mid-20th century, when Bibendum was a familiar figure not just for motorists but for everyday cyclists as well. The poster has been professionally mounted on linen and survives in excellent condition.
Details
Title: Bibendum Michelin (Bicycle)
Artist: Anonymous
Date: 1959
Printer: Verga, Milano
Size: 19 x 27 in. / 50 x 70 cm
Print Type: Offset lithograph
Condition: Excellent A, on linen
Comment:
A rare Italian Michelin poster featuring Bibendum in a cycling theme. The playful design and bright period style make it a delightful piece of Michelin history.
Title: Vintage 1963 Lambretta Scooter Poster by Pietro Vera – Excellent Condition
Description:
The poster is of a Vintage Lambretta scooter poster from 1963, featuring an iconic design by Pietro Vera. This original poster is a true gem for scooter enthusiasts, collectors of vintage advertising art, or anyone with a passion for retro Italian style.
Details:
Artist: Pietro Vera
Printer: Milano
Size: 39 x 55 inches / 100 x 140 cm
Print Technique: Offset lithograph
Year: 1963
Condition: Excellent, especially for its age
Material: On Linen
This poster beautifully captures the spirit of the era when Lambretta scooters ruled the roads. The vibrant colors, stylish design, and excellent condition make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Whether you’re a Lambretta enthusiast or simply appreciate vintage advertising art, this poster is a piece of history that deserves a special place in your space.
Description
Advertising poster for Socovel motorcycles, printed in Brussels in 1948. Socovel (Société pour l’étude et la construction de véhicules électriques) was a Belgian manufacturer best known in the 1940s for its electric motorcycles, developed during World War II when petrol was scarce. By the late 1940s, the company also promoted small petrol-powered machines as fuel supplies normalized. This lithograph poster was printed by Imprimerie Marci, Bruxelles and is professionally mounted on linen in excellent condition.
Artist: Anonymous
Date: c.1948
Printer: Imprimerie Marci, Bruxelles
Size: 34 × 25 inches (approx. 86 × 64 cm)
Print Type: Lithograph
Condition: Excellent “A,” on linen
Comments: Original motorcycle advertising poster for Socovel, printed in Brussels in 1948. Linen backed and in excellent condition.
The Schmidt’s beer poster from the early 1960s features a couple riding bicycles, each carrying a six-pack of Schmidt’s beer in their front baskets. The slogan reads, “Give your thirst a taste of life… Go… Schmidt’s of Philadelphia.”
Poster Details
Measuring 23.5 x 45 inches, the poster was produced by C. Schmidt & Sons, Inc. It was printed on glossy paper and is often linen-mounted for preservation.
Brewery History
Founded in 1860 by Christian Schmidt, the brewery became one of Philadelphia’s largest. It was known for producing American lagers and expanded its distribution across the northeastern U.S.
Marketing and Closure
Schmidt’s promoted its beer through various advertisements, including the bicycle-themed poster. The brewery closed in 1987 due to competition from national brands, but its name remains associated with Philadelphia’s brewing history.
Artist: Anon Printer: L Schmidt & sons, Philadelphia Size: 114 x 60 cm/ 45 x 23.5 in On/Off Linen: On Linen Print Technique: offset lithograph Year: 1960’s original Condition & Comments: excellent
Artist: Alexis Kow Printer: Imprimerie Lyon Size: 31 x 47 ” / 80 x 120 cm On/Off Linen: On Linen Print Technique: lithograph Year: 1950c Condition & Comments: excellent condition
Alexis Kow long known for his exceptional posters of Race Cars does this poster later in his career featuring the Starlett Motor Scooter. Make your life like a film its more than a motorycle than just a scooter !! excellent on linen
