1954 BENELLI 98CC LETIZIA (LOT 585)

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
1954 BENELLI 98CC LETIZIA (LOT 585)
FRAME NO. L310
ENGINE NO. L515
Now Chinese owned, although still based in its home town of Pesaro, Benelli is best known for its Grand Prix successes in the 1950s/1960s when it secured two 250cc World Championships, and also for its outrageous six-cylinder road bikes of the 1970s. The Italian manufacturer has, of course, always produced less exotic fare such as the Letizia two-stroke lightweight offered here, a model rarely seen outside its home country. Most Italian manufacturers offered similar lightweights in the years immediately following WW2, fuelling the public's demand for cheap transport. Being Italian, most of these offerings were infinitely more stylish than their British counterparts. The Letizia weighed a mere 63kg (139lb) and had 4.5bhp on tap, which was good enough for a top speed of 70-75km/h (43-47mph). The handlebar-mounted gear change lever is an unusual feature. This example is believed to be an older restoration.
£1,500 - 2,500
€1,700 - 2,800
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.