c.1970 Aermacchi 344cc Ala d'Oro Racing Motorcycle

Footnotes

Aermacchi is a household name among motorcyclists thanks to its heroic achievement of producing the most highly developed and successful overhead-valve racing single ever made: the 'Ala d'Oro' (Golden Wing). Alberto Pagani's 9th place on the 250's Dutch TT debut in 1960 demonstrated the bike's potential, which was confirmed the following week when Pagani finished 5th at the Belgian Grand Prix. The need for more power led to short-stroke engine dimensions (of 72x61mm) being adopted for 1964, by which time a '350' version had appeared. Although the pushrod Aermacchi never won a World Championship race, it did achieve a number of 2nd places, Alan Barnett's in the 1970 Junior TT on a Lawton Aermacchi being one of the most memorable. Despite a lack of ultimate success in Grands Prix, the Aermacchi single was outstandingly successful at national level and today, having benefited from another four decades of development, remains a competitive force in historic motorcycle racing.

Walter Rung, a Swiss pilot, was very active in the 70's with Aermacchi. In 1970 and 1971, Rungg used Aermacchi in the 250cc, 350cc and 500cc categories. The motorcycle offered today is the one used for the 1970 where Rungg ended up the championship at the 27th place with 4 points gained at the West Germany Grand-Prix.

Entered in a private collection some years ago, this 350 Ala d'Oro comes with a certificate issue by Aermacchi Classic and is described in very good condition by the vendor.