LOT 337

1961 Bianchi 318cc MT61 Registration no. VSU 568 Frame no. TM 1137 Engine no. *MM2518*

Sold for £3,335 inc. premium

Lot 337

1961 Bianchi 318cc MT61

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|26 April 2026, 11:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1961 Bianchi 318cc MT61
Registration no. VSU 568
Frame no. TM 1137
Engine no. MM2518

Founded in the late 1890s, Bianchi made little impact outside Italy before WWII despite an innovative approach which saw a team of unit-construction, twin-overhead-cam 350s entered in the 1926 Isle of Man TT. In the post-war period the company's road range consisted mainly of lightweights, the mainstay of production being 175cc models like the Tonale. Styled as only the Italians know how and featuring a unitary-construction, overhead-cam engine; duplex loop frame; and full-width alloy hubs, the Tonale must have seemed light-years in advance of its British contemporaries. A 250cc version of this Bianchi single powered the Sprint racer, while a further stretched - to 318cc- version went into the firm's MT61 military offering that was introduced in 1961 for use by the Italian Army. Prepared for multi-terrain deployment, the MT 61 featured a distinctive upswept exhaust system enabling it to ford rivers and streams.

This MT61 was first registered in the UK in 1989 and underwent a full restoration in 2022 (no bills available). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, completeness, authenticity, originality, constituent components and mechanical condition prior to bidding. The machine is offered with a current V5C Registration Certificate and two maintenance/repair manuals.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 26 April, with the auction starting at 11:30am BST.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles