LOT 685 N

c.1961 Benelli 50cc 2T Competizione Frame no. CF 71148 Engine no. C 74981

Sold for £3,450 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 685^N

c.1961 Benelli 50cc 2T Competizione
Frame no. CF 71148 Engine no. C 74981

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

c.1961 Benelli 50cc 2T Competizione
Frame no. CF 71148
Engine no. C 74981

Inspired by Ducati Cucciolo importers Britax, 50cc racing began in the UK in 1955 but did not really take hold until the late 1950s when the availability of the quick and relatively inexpensive Italian Itom Competizione made the class viable. Indeed, the earliest races for the class had been held by clubs in Italy and the UK. With suitable machines available from numerous manufacturers, and relatively low costs, the new 'tiddler' class quickly grew in popularity, leading to the FIM's introduction in 1961 of the Coupe d'Europe: a series of international events run to Grand Prix regulations. That first year saw the West German Kreider team dominate, winning five of the eight rounds with single wins apiece for Itom, Tomos, and Ducson. With four wins to his credit, Kreidler works rider Hans-Georg Anscheidt became European Champion. Responding to the category's growing popularity, Benelli built a limited series of Competizione models powered by a tuned moped engine, as seen here. Dating from circa 1961, the year before the 50cc class gained World Championship status, it is typical of the machines campaigned in the category's formative years before the Japanese manufacturers brought multi-cylinder technology to the class. Giancarlo Morbidelli restored this machine himself.

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.

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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.

£3,400 - £4,400

United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500

c.1961 Benelli 50cc 2T Competizione Frame no. CF 71148 Engine no. C 74981

c.1961 Benelli 50cc 2T CompetizioneFrame no. CF 71148Engine no. C 74981

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c.1961 Benelli 50cc 2T Competizione
Frame no. CF 71148 Engine no. C 74981

c.1961 Benelli 50cc 2T Competizione
Frame no. CF 71148
Engine no. C 74981