C.1961 BENELLI 50CC 2T COMPETIZIONE (LOT 685)

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Summer Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.

Please click the link to see the full online Lot listing: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26111/

SALE TIMES
Friday 14 August Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 212) 10am
Saturday 15 August Motorcycles (Lot 301 - 462) 10am
Sunday 16 August Motorcycles (Morbidelli Collection) (Lot 501 - 704) 10am

VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.

Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.

VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 12 August 1pm to 5pm
Thursday 13 August 9am to 5pm
Friday 14 August 9am to 5pm
Saturday 15 August 9am to 5pm (Lots 501-704 only)

LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register.

AUCTION ADDRESS
Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA

C.1961 BENELLI 50CC 2T COMPETIZIONE (LOT 685)
FRAME NO. CF 71148
ENGINE NO. C 74981
Inspired by Ducati Cucciolo importers Britax, 50cc racing began in the UK in 1955 but did not really take hold until the late 1950s when the availability of the quick and relatively inexpensive Italian Itom Competizione made the class viable. Indeed, the earliest races for the class had been held by clubs in Italy and the UK. With suitable machines available from numerous manufacturers, and relatively low costs, the new 'tiddler' class quickly grew in popularity, leading to the FIM's introduction in 1961 of the Coupe d'Europe: a series of international events run to Grand Prix regulations. That first year saw the West German Kreider team dominate, winning five of the eight rounds with single wins apiece for Itom, Tomos, and Ducson. With four wins to his credit, Kreidler works rider Hans-Georg Anscheidt became European Champion. Responding to the category's growing popularity, Benelli built a limited series of Competizione models powered by a tuned moped engine, as seen here. Dating from circa 1961, the year before the 50cc class gained World Championship status, it is typical of the machines campaigned in the category's formative years before the Japanese manufacturers brought multi-cylinder technology to the class. Giancarlo Morbidelli restored this machine himself.

£5,000 - 7,000
€5,600 - 7,800
To be sold without reserve

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.