Lot 007: c1961 AERMACCHI RACING MOTORCYCLE

Former FB Mondial designer Alfredo Bianchi joined Aermacchi during 1956, the well known aircraft manufacturer having entered motorcycle production in the years following the Second World War, in order to make use of idle production capacity in their newly reconstructed facilities. The first machine to emerge for which Bianchi was responsible was the Chimera, designed to appeal to the "average" rider. Featuring radical styling and innovative engineering it proved to be disappointing in terms of sales. However, the over head valve engine with which it was equipped would prove to be amenable to tuning. The development of a more conventional twin shock chassis for the sporting 175 and 250cc variants of the Chimera, introduced shortly after the touring versions, provided the other half of the equation for the models development into a competitive road racing machine. The factory entered a 250 variant stripped of its road going equipment in the 1960 Assen TT finishing ninth in the hands of Alberto Pagani, a good enough result to warrant further development that would eventually see versions of the horizontal single being raced at all levels. Production racers were built by the factory for sale to the public, whilst many of the road going sports variants have been converted to "racing specification" over the years. This "barn find" is believed to be a 250cc example dating from approximately 1961 and equipped with a five speed gearbox. It is offered in complete unrestored condition having lain idle for at least thirty years, although the engine still turns over. The frame has been modified with additional bracing to the sub-frame and the seat and tank are not original Aermacchi components. Alloy rims are laced to Oldani brake hubs and Ceriani forks, together with a tachometer are fitted.