c.1947 Moto Guzzi Motoleggera 65

Two-strokes did not feature in the Moto Guzzi range until after WW2, when the extraordinarily successful Motoleggera 65 - known initially as the 'Guzzino' - put a whole generation of Italians on two wheels. As Italy emerged from the chaos of war, the insatiable demand for basic transportation was met by cyclemotors, scooters and lightweight motorcycles, which hitherto had had little impact on the domestic market. Introduced in 1946, the Motoleggera was by far the most successful of the latter, selling by the tens of thousands. This modest ultra-lightweight was powered by a 64cc disc-valve two-stroke engine, which drove via an integral three-speed gearbox and was carried in a simple tubular spine frame boasting swinging-arm rear suspension and blade-type girder forks. The first mass-produced Italian motorcycle and a 'right-first-time' design, the Motoleggera changed little over the next eight years, improvements being confined to the addition of a horn, modified silencer, stronger swinging arm and a switch to cast-iron for the cylinder barrel.

Purchased by the late owner from North Leicester Motorcycles more than 25 years ago as a dismantled restoration project, this Moto Guzzi Motoleggera 65 has remained in the collection ever since. Accompanying receipts indicate expenditure on replacement tyres in 2001; re-chroming work in 2012 (£458.33); and powder coating in 2012 (£250). The frame number is obscured by heavy paint and currently illegible, although it appears to correspond with the engine number 'C*19410607'.

Offered unregistered and without any documents, this Lot is accompanied by the following:

• Purchase invoice (undated)
• 2012 chroming receipt
• 2012 powder coating receipt
• 2001 tyres receipt
• A quantity of detached parts, including the following:
• Chain guard
• Numberplate bracket
• Throttle and grips
• Horn
• Headlamp inner components
• Headlamp rim
• Rear brake rod
• Electrical cables

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). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. An unfinished and possibly incomplete project, this Motoleggera represents an attractive restoration opportunity for the marque enthusiast.
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