Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1956 Moto Guzzi Airone
Estimate
£1, 800 - £2, 200
Registration No: TSL 909
Frame No: MSL61
MOT: Exempt
Rare in the UK Moto Guzzi Airone 250
Italian style and race breed technology
Supplied with a current V5C
Moto Guzzi was established in 1921 by three friends from the Italian Air Corps and is Europe’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production, based in the same factory in Mandello del Lario overlooking Lake Como ever since. One of the founding fathers was Carlo Guzzi who gave his name to the company and was also the chief designer, always innovative they were very successful in Grand Prix racing with products as diverse as the 350cc horizontal single that won five world championships in a row to the incredible 500c V8. The forward facing cylinder with an outside flywheel became Guzzis signature layout until the arrival of the big vee twins in the late 1960s. The Airone isn’t as well known in the UK as its bigger brother, the 500cc Falcone, but in Italy the 250cc single was the more popular model and was in production from the late 1930s through to 1957.
This 1956 Airone looks to have been imported into the UK in 2001 and then registered on an age related number. A distinctive looking bike with its typically Italian red bodywork, unusual rear suspension and horizontal OHV all alloy engine it would have cost about twice as much as a comparable BSA or Triumph in its day, but was obviously more advanced in its design. Not used for a while it will need the normal checks before use but it will stand out at any classic bike show or event and is supplied with a current V5C.
