Description
This motorcycle is Lot 365 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 365
c. 1962 Itom 50cc Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. unable to locate
Founded in Turin in 1948, Industria Torinese Meccanica began manufacturing clip-on power units for bicycles under the 'Itom' brand name before offering its first complete machine in 1950. Itom progressed from producing utilitarian mopeds to making small motorcycles, many of which carried designations such as Sport, Super Sport and Competizione, and thus were guaranteed to appeal to Italy's speed-obsessed youth. Inspired by Ducati Cucciolo importers Britax, 50cc racing began in the UK in 1955 but did not really take hold until the decade's end, when the availability of Itom's quick and relatively inexpensive Competizione made the class viable. Indeed, the two-stroke Itom was the machine to have at the time, for it dominated the class in Britain and provided a number of future stars - most notably Mike Hailwood, Dave Simmonds and Bill Ivy - with their first taste of circuit racing. Dave and his brother Mike Simmonds were highly successful in 50cc racing during the 1960s, with Dave going on to become World Champion in the 125cc class in 1969 for Kawasaki.
Unfortunately, nothing is known of this example's past history or condition. Purchased recently by the vendor, it has not been started and will require recommissioning before further use (the engine turns over). There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
