c.1952 Capriolo 75cc Sport
Frame no. 08239 Engine no. 07465

The Summer Sale - LIVE AND ONLINE - BICESTER HERITAGE|16 August 2020, 10:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

c.1952 Capriolo 75cc Sport
Frame no. 08239
Engine no. 07465

Named after the roe deer, the Capriolo marque emerged in 1948 from the ashes of the giant Caproni group, formerly one of Italy's largest manufacturing concerns. Between the world wars, Caproni manufactured mostly bombers and light transport aircraft, and only turned to motorcycle production after WW2. The firm commenced two-wheeled production with a 50cc ultra-lightweight before swiftly moving on to a 75cc model, the Capriolo 75, which was notable for its use of a pressed-steel frame and an unusual four-stroke engine of the overhead 'face cam' type, which also featured a longitudinal (rather than transverse) crankshaft. Sports versions won their class in the 1954 Milan-Taranto and 1955 Giro Motociclistico d'Italia, proving the effectiveness of this seemingly eccentric design. A type rarely seen outside its native Italy, this incomplete Capriolo 75 is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with an old Italian registration document (1960).

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

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Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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For Motorcycles (Lots 301-703) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
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12 August 2020, 13:00 - 17:00 BST

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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.