1960 Ĉezeta 172cc 502 01

Looking like a two-wheeled jet-ski designed for the TV series, Thunderbirds, CZ's futuristic Ĉezeta owed its unusual appearance to the fact that its bulbous fuel tank was located above the front wheel, which left plenty of room for a luggage compartment beneath the seat. The Czech firm's first motor scooter had appeared in 1946, with the Ĉezeta Type 501 following in 1957. The Ĉzeta was powered by a 172cc single-cylinder fan-cooled two-stroke engine, good for a top speed of around 55mph, which drove via a four-speed foot-change gearbox. An electric starter was a new introduction on the Type 502, which also featured conventional motorcycle-type rear suspension with twin shock absorbers (the 501 had a single-sided swinging arm and a rubber block). The Ĉezeta was also marketed as a Jawa under the 'Boheme' model name, and there was even a three-wheeler version – the Type 505 – which was available with a variety of commercial bodies. Smaller-engined Manet and Tatran models followed, although none of these Eastern Bloc scooters made much impact outside their home territories. Ĉezeta production ceased in 1964.

An absolute 'must have' for the serious scooter collector, this wonderful Ĉezeta was purchased by the private vendor, in the UK, approximately eight years ago. Not touched since then, the machine remains as purchased and is offered as a restoration project, its overall condition and completeness being unknown; the kickstart is detached and the gears do not appear to engage, therefore it is not known whether the engine turns over. The scooter is accompanied by some loose lighting components and a detached kickstart.

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. There are no documents with this Lot and it should be noted that stamped frame and engine numbers have not been located; the numbers quoted above appear only on the identification plaque.

Offered with an ignition key (but without a key for the tool box).