1949 Benelli 250cc Racing Motorcycle

Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris|1 February 2024, 12:30 CET|Paris, The Grand Palais Historique

1949 Benelli 250cc Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 25-8290
Engine no. 5777

Its factory in ruins, Benelli took time to re-establish itself after WW2. Fortunately, the racing machines had been hidden away and survived intact, providing Benelli with a springboard from which to renew its Grand Prix campaign. Rivals Moto Guzzi secured the first post-war 250cc World Championship in 1949, but Benelli struck back the following year when Dario Ambrosini became World Champion at the end of a season that included wins in Switzerland, Italy and the Isle of Man. Sadly, Ambrosini's death in 1951 effectively put an end to Benelli's international efforts and it would be 1959 before the firm returned to the Grand Prix scene. The machine offered here represents a rare opportunity to acquire a racing motorcycle from one of Italy's premier marques, presented in restored condition. No documents.

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.

Footnotes

1949 Benelli 250cc Racing Motorcycle
Cadre n°25-8290
Moteur n°5777

Avec une usine en ruines, Benelli mit du temps à se rétablir après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Ses motos de course avaient heureusement été mises à l'abri au loin et elles étaient demeurées intactes, ce qui fournit à Benelli un tremplin pour redémarrer son activité en Grand Prix. Son rival Moto Guzzi remporta en 1949 le premier Championnat du Monde des 250 cm3 de l'après-guerre, mais Benelli reprit le dessus l'année suivante lorsque Dario Ambrosini termina la saison avec le titre de champion du monde, après des victoires en Suisse, en Italie et sur l'île de Man. Le décès d'Ambrosini en 1951 vint malheureusement mettre un coup d'arrêt aux ambitions internationales de Benelli et il fallut attendre 1959 pour que la firme revînt en Grand Prix. La moto proposée, qui a été restaurée, représente une rare occasion d'acquérir une moto de course de l'une des marques italiennes de premier plan. Pas de documents.

De même que tous les lots de cette vente, ce lot est vendu 'en l'état et à l'endroit où il se trouve' et les enchérisseurs doivent en vérifier la provenance, l'état, l'âge, la complétude et l'authenticité avant d'enchérir.

Saleroom notices

The engine plaque is stamped 4-TN 25-4962. The cases are also stamped NV4089, 1220 and 4-TN 25-8290 in various locations. The frame is also stamped 1912C as well as 894 to the saddle lug.

Additional information

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