Lot 202: 1938 Moto Guzzi 250 ~P Racer - Ex Borghi Brothers

Since the motorcycle industry was in its infancy Moto Guzzi has endured as the oldest European manufacturer in continuous production. Established in 1921 in Mandello del Lario in Italy, Moto Guzzi has led the country's motorcycling manufacture, enjoyed prominence in world-wide motorcycle racing, and been at the forefront of the industry in ground-breaking innovation - for the greater part of its history. Carlo Guzzi's first engine design was a horizontal single cylinder unit that, in various configurations, would dominate the first 45 years of the company's history. Moto Guzzi had always planned to use racing to promote the marque and, notably, it went on to win 3,329 races, eight World Championships and eleven Isle of Man TT races. This 1938 Moto Guzzi 250 P was heavily modified by well known brothers Vittorio and Angelo Borghi of Bergamo, Italy and successfully raced by Vittorio 'Grillo' Borghi during the 1946/1947 racing season. Among other races, he won the 250cc class at the Circuito di Verona, and came second in the Gornate Olona race, competing against the famous Dondolino, Condor and Albatros racing bikes of the same stable. The frame has been extensively lightened, whilst the engine is heavily modified. Accompanied by a series of period newspaper cuttings detailing its racing successes, this motorcycle started easily prior to a recent test drive and made all the right noises. Un-restored but in good working order, this glorious Moto Guzzi 250 P is without doubt an authentic piece of motorcycle racing history.