LOT 468 *N
c.1935 Moto Guzzi 250cc Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. 1.P.E.4004 & 27244 Engine no. D209
Sold for £18,400 inc. premium
Lot 468*,N
c.1935 Moto Guzzi 250cc Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. not UK registered Frame no. 1.P.E.4004 & 27244 Engine no. D209
c.1935 Moto Guzzi 250cc Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. 1.P.E.4004 & 27244
Engine no. D209
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. 1.P.E.4004 & 27244
Engine no. D209
• Believed TT250 engine
• PE250 roadster frame and cycle parts
• An older restoration
The importance of racing as a means of publicising Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi's fledgling marque had been recognised right from the start, at least by the latter, and although Moto Guzzi's first racer - the 500cc C2V (Corsa 2 Valvole) - proved to be an effective competitor in Italian national events, it was only when Carlo Guzzi adopted the overhead camshaft and four-valve layout of his original prototype for the C4V (Corsa 4 Valvole) that international success was achieved.
Capitalising on the success of the '500' racer, Carlo Guzzi introduced a broadly similar 'TT250' early in 1926, though the quarter-litre Guzzi made do with only two valves. The latter were disposed at a relatively narrow (60-degree) angle, and the overhead-cam engine had 'square' bore/stroke dimensions of 68mm. The result was a class-leading power unit with a specific output of 60bhp/litre, an exceptional performance for a normally aspirated engine at that time. As its designation suggests, the TT250 was intended for the Isle of Man TT. Sadly, the 1926 event would prove a bittersweet experience for the Moto Guzzi team, its rider Piero Ghersi failing to finish the Senior race and being disqualified from 2nd place in the Lightweight having used a unspecified spark plug. Nevertheless, the TT250 proved good enough to win at that year's Circuito del Lario and Grand Prix des Nations at Monza, and at the season's end a customer version was made available to privateers alongside a slightly more powerful variant: the SS250 with bronze cylinder head. Production ceased at the end of 1930.
The machine offered here is believed to consist of the sprung frame and cycle parts of a mid-1930s PE250 roadster, and a TT250 engine. Other noteworthy features include a Magneti Marelli magneto, Dell'Orto carburettor, racing fuel tank, and 19" alloy wheel rims front and rear. A dealership sticker to the front mudguard reads: 'MARCOMINI Moto Guzzi - MONTEBELLUNA-TV'.
Presented in age-related condition, the machine appears to be an older restoration with some patina. Nothing is known of its history or mechanical condition, except that the engine turns over. Offered from a private collection, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning at the very least, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's age, originality, correctness, and mechanical condition prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
• PE250 roadster frame and cycle parts
• An older restoration
The importance of racing as a means of publicising Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi's fledgling marque had been recognised right from the start, at least by the latter, and although Moto Guzzi's first racer - the 500cc C2V (Corsa 2 Valvole) - proved to be an effective competitor in Italian national events, it was only when Carlo Guzzi adopted the overhead camshaft and four-valve layout of his original prototype for the C4V (Corsa 4 Valvole) that international success was achieved.
Capitalising on the success of the '500' racer, Carlo Guzzi introduced a broadly similar 'TT250' early in 1926, though the quarter-litre Guzzi made do with only two valves. The latter were disposed at a relatively narrow (60-degree) angle, and the overhead-cam engine had 'square' bore/stroke dimensions of 68mm. The result was a class-leading power unit with a specific output of 60bhp/litre, an exceptional performance for a normally aspirated engine at that time. As its designation suggests, the TT250 was intended for the Isle of Man TT. Sadly, the 1926 event would prove a bittersweet experience for the Moto Guzzi team, its rider Piero Ghersi failing to finish the Senior race and being disqualified from 2nd place in the Lightweight having used a unspecified spark plug. Nevertheless, the TT250 proved good enough to win at that year's Circuito del Lario and Grand Prix des Nations at Monza, and at the season's end a customer version was made available to privateers alongside a slightly more powerful variant: the SS250 with bronze cylinder head. Production ceased at the end of 1930.
The machine offered here is believed to consist of the sprung frame and cycle parts of a mid-1930s PE250 roadster, and a TT250 engine. Other noteworthy features include a Magneti Marelli magneto, Dell'Orto carburettor, racing fuel tank, and 19" alloy wheel rims front and rear. A dealership sticker to the front mudguard reads: 'MARCOMINI Moto Guzzi - MONTEBELLUNA-TV'.
Presented in age-related condition, the machine appears to be an older restoration with some patina. Nothing is known of its history or mechanical condition, except that the engine turns over. Offered from a private collection, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning at the very least, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's age, originality, correctness, and mechanical condition prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
Footnotes
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.
Should the vehicle remain in Europe, import VAT of 5% will be added to the Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.
Additional information
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
