1966 Aermacchi 246cc Ala Verde

Registration no. FEY 384D Frame no. 222886 Engine no. 22286

A household name among motorcyclists thanks to its heroic achievement of producing the most highly developed and successful overhead-valve racing single ever, Aermacchi was a relative latecomer to motorcycle manufacture, building its first machine, the curious scooter-like Convertible, in the late 1940s. Aermacchi's first 'proper' motorcycle, the two-stroke Monsone, appeared in 1950, but it was not until 1956 that the firm's trademark horizontally mounted four-stroke single made its debut in the Chimera. Featuring enclosed bodywork reminiscent of Ariel's Arrow, but bags more stylish, the Chimera would remain in production until 1960. Before then it had been joined by a quartet of more conventionally styled machines in 175cc and 250cc capacities, the sporting version of the latter being the 80mph Ala Verde. One of the last built before Aermacchi was acquired by AMF (owners of Harley-Davidson) this five-speed Ala Verde has been upgraded with a Powerdynamo 12-volt ignition. Imported into the UK in 1992 as a restoration project but sat in a garage until November 2015 when it changed hands and was totally rebuilt. Registered in August 2017, the Ala Verde has covered fewer than 100 kilometres since completion and is presented in commensurately excellent condition, having last run in December 2019. The machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate; copy instruction manual and parts book; and a substantial file of restoration invoices.