LOT 341 N
1957 Moto Guzzi 247cc Airone Sport Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. MDL54 Engine no. MDL51
Estimate: £10,000 - £14,000
Lot 341N
1957 Moto Guzzi 247cc Airone SportRegistration no. not UK registered Frame no. MDL54 Engine no. MDL51
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1957 Moto Guzzi 247cc Airone Sport
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. MDL54
Engine no. MDL51
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. MDL54
Engine no. MDL51
• Original un-restored condition
• Acquired circa 30 years ago
Moto Guzzi's origins can be traced back to WWI, when a trio of motorcycle enthusiasts serving with the Italian Air Force hatched a plan to start a business: Giorgio Parodi would secure the finance, Carlo Guzzi would design the machine, and Giovanni Ravelli would race it. Sadly, Ravelli died in a flying accident soon after the war's end, leaving Parodi and Guzzi to found what would become one of the most exalted of Italian marques at Mandello del Lario, close to the shores of Lake Como.
Carlo Guzzi's first prototype motorcycle of 1919 was unconventional in so far as its single-cylinder engine was installed horizontally, and by the end of the 1930s the 'flat single' had established itself as a Guzzi hallmark. The prototype Guzzi was exceptionally advanced for its day: unitary construction of the 500cc engine and gearbox, over-square bore/stroke, geared primary drive, an overhead camshaft, and four valves per cylinder being just some of its salient features. However, the Normale (standard) model that entered production in 1921 was necessarily less ambitious, the most obvious difference being its engine's inlet-over-exhaust valve arrangement, adopted to reduce costs.
Guzzi recommenced production post-WW2 with range of updated pre-war designs, which in the case of the 250cc Airone (heron), first introduced in 1939, meant it gained a telescopic front fork, larger diameter brakes, and an aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. In 1949 a Sport version became available; the original being renamed Turismo. Boasting a higher compression ratio and larger carburettor, the more powerful Sport offered a 73mph top speed and the ability to cruise at 60mph all day, and remained a top-seller well into the 1950s. 'Robust Italian machine capable of very hard driving: remarkably light petrol consumption' was how Motor Cycle magazine summed up the Airone Sport after testing one in 1949.
This Airone Sport carries competition numberplates, suggesting that it has been used on historic road events such as the Giro d'Italia and Milan-Taranto. Purchased for the vendor's private collection some 30 years ago, the machine is presented in original un-restored condition, having been cared for by the owner's in-house mechanic. There are no documents with this Lot.
• Acquired circa 30 years ago
Moto Guzzi's origins can be traced back to WWI, when a trio of motorcycle enthusiasts serving with the Italian Air Force hatched a plan to start a business: Giorgio Parodi would secure the finance, Carlo Guzzi would design the machine, and Giovanni Ravelli would race it. Sadly, Ravelli died in a flying accident soon after the war's end, leaving Parodi and Guzzi to found what would become one of the most exalted of Italian marques at Mandello del Lario, close to the shores of Lake Como.
Carlo Guzzi's first prototype motorcycle of 1919 was unconventional in so far as its single-cylinder engine was installed horizontally, and by the end of the 1930s the 'flat single' had established itself as a Guzzi hallmark. The prototype Guzzi was exceptionally advanced for its day: unitary construction of the 500cc engine and gearbox, over-square bore/stroke, geared primary drive, an overhead camshaft, and four valves per cylinder being just some of its salient features. However, the Normale (standard) model that entered production in 1921 was necessarily less ambitious, the most obvious difference being its engine's inlet-over-exhaust valve arrangement, adopted to reduce costs.
Guzzi recommenced production post-WW2 with range of updated pre-war designs, which in the case of the 250cc Airone (heron), first introduced in 1939, meant it gained a telescopic front fork, larger diameter brakes, and an aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. In 1949 a Sport version became available; the original being renamed Turismo. Boasting a higher compression ratio and larger carburettor, the more powerful Sport offered a 73mph top speed and the ability to cruise at 60mph all day, and remained a top-seller well into the 1950s. 'Robust Italian machine capable of very hard driving: remarkably light petrol consumption' was how Motor Cycle magazine summed up the Airone Sport after testing one in 1949.
This Airone Sport carries competition numberplates, suggesting that it has been used on historic road events such as the Giro d'Italia and Milan-Taranto. Purchased for the vendor's private collection some 30 years ago, the machine is presented in original un-restored condition, having been cared for by the owner's in-house mechanic. There are no documents with this Lot.
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.
Saleroom notices
This machine is offered with an Italian Libretto document.
Additional information
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Auction Viewings
- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
Lot symbols
| 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. |
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