1955 MOTOBI 250CC GRAN SPORT RACING MOTORCYCLE (LOT 655)

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Summer Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.
Please click the link to see the full online Lot listing: www.bonhams.co...
SALE TIMES
Friday 14 August Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 212) 10am
Saturday 15 August Motorcycles (Lot 301 - 462) 10am
Sunday 16 August Motorcycles (Morbidelli Collection) (Lot 501 - 704) 10am
VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.
Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.
VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 12 August 1pm to 5pm
Thursday 13 August 9am to 5pm
Friday 14 August 9am to 5pm
Saturday 15 August 9am to 5pm (Lots 501-704 only)
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register.
AUCTION ADDRESS
Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA
1955 MOTOBI 250CC GRAN SPORT RACING MOTORCYCLE (LOT 655)
FRAME NO. 720133
ENGINE NO. 720133
• One of an estimated 70 made
• 2nd in class in the 1955 Milan-Taranto race
• Restored by Giancarlo Morbidelli
The now-defunct Italian manufacturer Motobi is closely related to Benelli. Italy's oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, Benelli was founded in Pesaro in 1911 by the six Benelli brothers, starting out as a general engineering firm repairing cars and motorcycles before turning to the manufacture of automotive and aircraft components in WWI. The firm diversified into the field of powered transport immediately after hostilities ceased, offering a two-stroke 'clip-on' power unit for attachment to a bicycle, and it was this 98cc engine, installed in a purpose-built set of cycle parts, which was used for the first proper Benelli motorcycle of 1921. Within a few years the firm was actively engaged in competitions, taking the first steps along a path to Grand Prix glory that would see Benelli established as one of Italy's foremost racing marques post-WW2.
In 1949 the eldest of the six Benelli brothers, Giuseppe, left to found his own company: Moto 'B' Pesaro, later Motobi. The latter's first design was a 98cc single-cylinder two-stroke lightweight with horizontal engine, a layout that would characterise its offerings from then onwards. In the early 1950s a new range of all-aluminium engines was introduced whose profile resembled that of an egg or rugby ball, and this style was deliberately retained when Motobi switched to overhead-valve four-strokes towards the decade's end. Six years after Giuseppe's death in 1957, Motobi merged with Benelli and its models continuing to be manufactured, although often with 'Benelli' on the tank.
One of an estimated 70 made, this rare, two-stroke, twin-cylinder Motobi was ridden by Benito Mariani to 2nd in class and 8th overall in the 1955 Milan-Taranto race (see photographs and Motobi advertisements on file). Mariani's was one of seven Motobi works entries in the '55 Milan-Taranto, one of which, ridden by Silvano Rinaldi, won its class and came home 7th overall. In a remarkable display of speed and reliability, Motobis filled the first five places in the 250cc category. Restored by Giancarlo Morbidelli, this beautiful Gran Sport would - following re-commissioning - be an ideal mount for the 2020 Moto Giro d'Italia.
£10,000 - 14,000
€11,000 - 16,000
To be sold without reserve
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.