LOT 8

1954 Parilla 125cc Turismo Registration no. VYJ 202 Frame no. 124800 Engine no. 124800

Sold for £1,092.50 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 8

1954 Parilla 125cc Turismo

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 12:07 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1954 Parilla 125cc Turismo
Registration no. VYJ 202
Frame no. 124800
Engine no. 124800

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, and in 1954 introduced the high-camshaft model for which it is best remembered. Built in various versions up to the company's closure in 1967, it was a 175cc single featuring a chain-driven camshaft mounted on the side of the cylinder head, the two inclined 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 on the racetrack, and enlarged versions of 200cc and 250cc capacity followed.

The machine offered here, though, is one of Parilla's earlier 125cc two-strokes: a model first introduced in 1951 and built in Sport and Turismo versions, initially with a three-speed hand-change gearbox. Relatively rare in the UK, this stylish and pretty lightweight sports roadster from the 1950s was restored in 2000 and is described as turning over with good compression and in generally good condition, commensurate with the age of the restoration. Purchased by the private vendor in 2011, and displayed as part of a private collection since acquisition, the machine will require recommissioning and safety checks prior to returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Offered with a V5C registration document.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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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
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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.
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1954 Parilla 125cc Turismo

1954 Parilla 125cc TurismoRegistration no. VYJ 202Frame no. 124800Engine no. 124800

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1954 Parilla 125cc Turismo
Registration no. VYJ 202
Frame no. 124800
Engine no. 124800