1962 Aermacchi Ala Verde

Lot details
Registration No: OSJ 576
Frame No: 221843
Engine No: 221843
cc: 250
MOT Expiry Date: None

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 overhead valve engine with which it was equipped would prove to be amenable to tuning. The development of a more conventional twin shock chassis in which to house the horizontal single led to the introduction of sporting 175cc and 250cc bikes.

The machines offered in this lot are all Ala Verdes. The model was introduced in 1960 and first imported into the UK during 1961. Designed for the sporting rider they offered a 140 km/h top speed and excellent handling with styling to match their sporting characteristics. '370 EYO' was purchased new by the vendor from Fred Warr on the 23rd November 1962 and was used by him both on the road and in competition until 1970 when it passed to his brother. A collision with a post office van left it with a bent left fork leg and seat rail which resulted in it being taken off the road. It is offered missing its wheels and an exhaust but is currently fitted with a sports camshaft.

'84 CRC' was bought as a parts bike for '370 EYO' and is believed to have been "race prepared" by a former owner. Untouched by the vendor it is missing the exhaust system, speedo, lights and minor items. 'OSJ 576' was purchased in 2001 having been imported into the UK during 1998 and was used until it failed a MOT due to faulty fork leg oil seals. The vendor notes that gear selection is difficult and suggests a clutch and gearbox overhaul are required but otherwise describes 'OSJ 576' as being in "good" condition. The forks have been reconditioned and the steering head bearings renewed.

All three machines are currently on SORN and are offered with Swansea V5C's, '370 EYO' also has a Buff logbook and '84 CRC' a Green logbook. A quantity of documentation primarily relating to '370 EYO' and 'OSJ 576', including a workshop manual and an owner's manual together with some spares is included with the machines.