The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1962 Rumi 125cc Bol d'Or

• Rare opportunity to acquire this mythical and much sought-after Bol d'Or models
• Owned by Robert Lusk since 2011
• Named after the famous French 24-hour endurance race

'Moto Rumi's Formichino scooter is perhaps the one motorscooter respected by motorcyclists – probably because it can melt the paint off many 250cc motorcycles of the era with its amazing horizontal two-cylinder two-stroke 125cc engine.' – Dregni & Dregni, Illustrated Motorscooter Buyer's Guide.

Powered by its maker's trademark 125cc parallel-twin two-stroke with horizontal cylinders, the ultimate expression of the Rumi scooter arrived in 1954 in the form of the Formichino ('Little Ant'). Evolving from Normale and Lusso versions to the Sport and finally the Bol d'Or racer, the Formichino stood apart from its rivals. While most scooters were designed for cheapness and simplicity, Donnino Rumi worked from first principles: the engine was employed as a stressed member of a chassis constructed from aluminium castings bolted together.

The Bol d'Or took its name from the famous French 24-hour endurance race, which had first welcomed scooters in 1955. Lambretta dominated the early years before Rumi assumed control, capitalising on that success with the launch of the Bol d'Or production racer for 1959. Its engine, based on the Tipo Sport, featured alloy cylinders with chrome-plated bores and twin Dell'Orto 18mm carburettors, producing a top speed of around 75mph. With optional 22mm carburettors and full race tuning, a Bol d'Or could exceed 90mph. Despite this technical sophistication and notable competition successes, Moto Rumi ceased production by 1962.
Robert purchased this example at Bonhams October 2011 Stafford Sale, where it was sold on behalf of the deceased estate of a dedicated Norfolk-based Rumi enthusiast who, at one time, owned as many as 12 examples of the marque. First registered on 14th May 1962, the machine then displayed 5,658 miles on the odometer and has covered only minimal mileage since, having been carefully stored in the collection. It remains in attractive, age-related condition and is offered with a V5C registration document.

'181 NMK' represents a rare – and possibly once-in-a-lifetime – opportunity for the serious scooter collector to acquire one of these mythical and much sought-after Bol d'Or models.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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