The David Plant Collection, 1951 Moto Guzzi 250cc Airone

Moto Guzzi's origins can be traced back to WWI, when a trio of motorcycle enthusiasts serving with the Italian Air Force hatched a plan to start a business: Giorgio Parodi would secure the finance, Carlo Guzzi would design the machine, and Giovanni Ravelli would race it. Sadly, Ravelli died in a flying accident soon after the war's end, leaving Parodi and Guzzi to found what would become one of the most exalted of Italian marques.

Carlo Guzzi's very first prototype motorcycle of 1919 was unconventional in so far as its 500cc single-cylinder engine was installed horizontally and built in unit with the gearbox, and although the company would eventual turn to other engine layouts, the 'flat single' had established itself as a Guzzi hallmark by the end of the 1930s. Guzzi recommenced production post-WW2 with range of updated pre-war designs, which in the case of the 250cc Airone (heron), first introduced in 1939, meant it gained a telescopic front fork, larger diameter brakes and an aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. The Airone offered a 70mph top speed and the ability to cruise at 60mph all day, and remained a top-seller well into the 1950s.

This apparently unrestored Airone is presented in 'oily rag' condition and boasts an appealing degree of originality. The machine retains 'Bob Foster (Parkstone, Dorset)' supplier's plates. Accompanying the motorcycle are two original Moto Guzzi Motociclo Tipo Airone parts catalogues, together with a small quantity of marque-related paperwork. Also included is an envelope from Stanley Woods, postmarked 1968 and addressed to a gentleman in Leek, containing a selection of transfers, including tank transfers. Acquired by the private vendor in 1985, the machine also comes with old/current V5/V5C registration documents. It should be noted that the frame number (19902 to the V5C) is obscured by the fuel tank and had not been verified at the time of cataloguing. The engine turns over.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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