The Varese concern, Aermacchi had started to develop a racing motorcycle derived form the pushrod powered Chimera in 1958 when a tuned version of the naked Chimera was campaigned in Italian production motorcycle races. This was followed in 1959 by an over the counter racer displacing 175cc and introducing the Ala d'Oro name for the first time. The following year saw the arrival of a 250cc version with a 344cc production version finally arriving in 1963. The new 344cc engine had a bore and stroke of 74mm x 80mm and a geared primary drive to a wet clutch. Initially a four speed gearbox was fitted, although this was quickly replaced by a five speed cluster as production increased during 1964. The cycle parts reflected those used by the smaller 250cc version with the horizontal single was hung from a tubular frame equipped with telescopic front forks and pivoted fork rear suspension. A redesign took place for the 1966 season in response to reliability issues largely centred on the con rod and valves. An improved connecting rod and big end bearing was fitted, whilst the transmission received wider gears and a dry clutch. Further improvements graced the 1967 season machines with the flywheels being replaced by bobweights and a small outside flywheel, new tappets and modified crankcases incorporating revised main bearings.
By this time the Ala d'Oro had proved itself to be a competitive racer in all levels of competition, a tradition that it continues today in classic competitions around the world.
This attractive example is offered in good condition having formed part of a private collection in recent years.
PLEASE NOTE: This machine is a copy of an Ala d'Oro made by the well known Italian Aermacchi specialist Vittorie Gornati using an Ala Verde engine.
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