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LOT 585 N

1954 Benelli 98cc Letizia Frame no. L310 Engine no. L515

Sold for £4,370 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 585N

1954 Benelli 98cc Letizia
Frame no. L310 Engine no. L515

1954 Benelli 98cc Letizia
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.

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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  • 12 August 2020, 13:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA 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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