Description
This motorcycle is Lot 130 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 130
The Dale Winfield Motorcycle Collection
c. 1961 Bianchi 318cc MT61 Military Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. TM* 1181*
Engine no. MM* 1254*
Founded in the late 1890s, Bianchi made little impact outside Italy before WWII despite an innovative approach which saw a team of unit-construction, twin-overhead-cam 350s entered in the 1926 Isle of Man TT. In the post-war period the company's road range consisted mainly of lightweights, the mainstay of production being 175cc models like the Tonale. Styled as only the Italians know how and featuring a unitary-construction, overhead-cam engine; duplex loop frame; and full-width alloy hubs, the Tonale must have seemed light-years in advance of its British contemporaries. A 250cc version of this Bianchi single powered the Sprint racer, while a further stretched - to 318cc- version went into the firm's MT61 military offering that was introduced in 1961 for use by the Italian Army.
Finished in khaki green, this Bianchi MT61 is presented in older restored condition incorporating some modern parts (e. g. mirrors). The odometer reading is 7, 393 kilometres and the engine turns but is tight. The machine is offered with 'as purchased' photographs only, and there are no keys present for the multitude of locks. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road and thus 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.
