The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1960 Moto Rumi 125cc Formichino Sport

• A must have for any serious scooter collector
• Purchased by Robert from The Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum Collection auction in 2008

Previously producers of miniature submarines and torpedoes in WW2, the firm headed by Donnino Rumi switched to motorcycle manufacture at the war's end, introducing its first 'Turismo' model in 1950. This little gem was powered by what would become Rumi's trademark engine, a 125cc parallel-twin two-stroke, the cylinders of which were inclined horizontally. Built in numerous different stages of tune, this wonderfully versatile motor was used to power standard, sport and competizione models, as well as a range of advanced scooters. The latter's ultimate expression and a masterpiece of scooter design, the Formichino (Little Ant) arrived in 1954 and progressed via Normale and Lusso versions to the Sport and Bol d'Or racer. Its rivals might have been designed with cheapness and simplicity in mind but Donnino Rumi started from engineering first principles with the Formichino, using the engine as a stressed member of a chassis that was made up from aluminium castings bolted together.

Introduced in 1957, the Sport version featured linered aluminium-alloy cylinders and produced 9bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 70mph. Twin carburettors and chromium-plated cylinders were available as options. Sadly, despite its technical innovation and engineering prowess, Moto Rumi had gone by 1962.

Purchased by Robert from The Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum Collection auction, held by Bonhams at the RAF Museum, Hendon, June 2008, it had been acquired for the Museum in 1999, and this fabulous Formichino Sport was in regular use up to 2007. At the time of the 2008 sale we were advised that the Rumi had performed perfectly, this being attributed to a change of carburettor from the original Dell'Orto to the currently fitted Bing.

An absolute 'must have' for any serious scooter collector, the machine is offered with Austrian Einzelgenehmigung, which lists six owners between 1960 and 1999. Apart from this, there are no accompanying documents. If purchased by a UK buyer, a NOVA 1 declaration will need to be completed and a UK registration applied for.

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.
Offered with key