Registration No: 628 UXC
Frame No: 32232
Engine No: 22902
CC: 124
MOT: Exempt

• Current family owned for over 30 years
• Restored and in full working order
• Multiple show-winning scooter
• V5 for immediate use on the road

Rumi of Bergamo, in northern Italy, were an established industrial company long before the scooter boom of the 1950s. They were involved in metal foundry products for private, government and military markets. The anchor on the later Rumi logo and badge refers back to the company's history and previous involvement with the manufacture of naval equipment during the second world war. Motorcycle production, using the now legendary two stroke twin engine fitted to almost all Rumi two wheelers, started with a prototype in 1949. Production of motorcycles ranged from basic touring style machines through to full factory supported racing machines. With Piaggio and Inoccenti showing success with their scooters it was an obvious decision to get involved with smaller wheeled machines. The first scooter Rumi produced was the Scoiattolo (squirrel). It was a clever idea as it used many parts already in production for the motorcycles including forks, hubs, and nacelle and the proven excellent two stroke twin engine. Whilst the Scoiattolo proved to handle well and was a very practical machine, Rumi needed a scooter design more in tune with the times. The Formichino addressed this and the aluminium bodied small, wheeled range is so unique that it demands attention for its looks and performance. These where the quickest 125cc factory produced scooters of the time and were available. With an enthusiastic international following Rumi scooters are very collectible today.

This Formichino has been used for many years by the present owner and appears to still be in excellent condition. It is in standard Formichino specification having had a recent engine overhaul including: overhauled crankshaft - using new conrods and enclosed roller bearings (original Rumi parts) and new piston rings and gaskets. It also has a Rex Caunt 12v electric self retarding ignition giving greater reliability and brighter lights.

Although built for riding rather than for show we are informed it has won trophies at every show it has been entered into. And one of these awards was the prestigious 1^st place at the Rumi Club of France 25^th Anniversary Rally. It has been published in a full feature in Scootering magazine, issue number 189, a copy of which is provided with the scooter, and Motorrad Classic the German motorcycle magazine. The signature on the front light casting is of Rumi factory racing legend Gianni Zonca as affirmed by a photograph with the vendor.

In the 1960s Stephens Scooters, Rumi dealers in London, offered special paint schemes and practical modifications including Lambretta type front dampers. This Formichino is presented as such and is believed to be an excellent fully working example of one the greatest scooters of the era.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Diamond
info@vintagescooters.co.uk
07768 313001