The Michael ("Mick") Brough Collection, 1956 Parilla 175cc Lusso Veloce Sport

Giovanni Parrilla produced his first motorcycle in 1946, dropping his surname's second 'r' to call the machine a Parilla. Signor Parrilla owned a shop on the outskirts of Milan specialising in repairing diesel injector pumps, and he also held an agency for Bosch sparking plugs. That first Parilla motorcycle - a 250cc overhead-camshaft single-cylinder racer - was the work of Ing. Giuseppe Salmaggi, who already had the Gilera Saturno to his credit. The Milan-based firm went on to build a range of lightweight machines using two-stroke and four-stroke engines.

The second generation of Parilla motorcycles - known as the 'high-cam' (camme rialzata) - debuted at the Milan Show in 1952. This was the Fox, which would be built in various versions up to the company's closure in 1967. It was powered by a 175cc single which featured a chain-driven camshaft mounted on the side of the cylinder head, the valves being operated via short pushrods. Stunningly beautiful, the Parilla was also exceedingly quick, one not-yet-run-in competizione model being clocked at over 96mph by an American magazine. Not surprisingly the 'high-cam' model proved extremely successful, and enlarged versions of 200cc and 250cc capacity followed. There was also an over-the-counter production racing version: the MSDS (Machina Sport Derivata dalla Serie).

This Parilla was purchased by Michael Brough from Bonhams' Stafford auction in July 2021. Its restoration by a previous owner included fitting the sportier X1 cam and MSDS model big-valve cylinder head, together with a 22mm carburettor plus a stronger seven-plate Ducati clutch. Very advanced for 1956, the gearbox is a cassette type that can be removed without taking the power unit out of the frame. 12-volt electronic ignition is another advanced feature.

For an enthusiast looking for a machine ideally suited to the Historic class in the evermore popular Moto Giro d'Italia, this Parilla warrants careful consideration; indeed, it was ridden successfully in the 2016 Moto Giro (see event tag), providing six days of reliable enjoyment with minimal physical effort. Its appearance and quality of design make it one of the most attractive lightweights whose looks and style belie its age. A lovely example of a classic Italian lightweight and a true masterpiece of 1950s engineering.

The machine is offered with the following:

• 1990 customs entry document
• Expired MoTs
• Italian Motorcycle Owners Club dating letter
• Old V5C (photocopy)
• Photocopy instruction manual
• Photocopy spare parts list
• V5C Registration Certificate

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 (the engine turns over freely). The current odometer reading is 32,899 miles. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Offered with headlamp key.