26th Mar, 2025 12:00
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
c.1953 Gilera Saturno
'The Italian Gold Star'
Estimated at £6,000 - £7,000
Registration No: OXS 350
Frame No: 2610012
MOT: Exempt
- Typically Italian 500cc sports bike
- Unit construction 44bhp engine
- Run recently, supplied with a V5C
The Italian motorcycle manufacturer Gilera was founded in Arcore in 1909 by Giuseppe Gilera and is still in existence today after the company was purchased by the Piaggio group in 1969. After WWII, Gilera dominated Grand Prix motorcycle racing, winning the 500cc road racing world championship six times in eight years, but after facing a downturn in motorcycle sales due to the increase in the popularity of automobiles after the war, they quit Grand Prix racing after the 1957 season. Gilera offered a range of mainly four-stroke engined single-cylinder machines ranging from 100cc to 500cc, the most famous being the Saturno designed by Giuseppe Salmaggi. Thought of as the Italian Gold Star, it formed the basis of many race bikes in the day.
This c.1953 Saturno was imported into the UK in 1980 and has been part of an enthusiast's small private collection, a keen rider it has been enjoyed by him on days out around the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales on many occasions. Restored a few years ago and showing a nice patina, it is offered in mostly original condition with just a later Dellorto carburettor fitted to aid starting. Always thought of as the Italian Gold Star, in many ways it was more advanced with its unit construction engine producing 44bhp. A rare model in the UK, the bike started and ran when being photographed and comes supplied with a current V5C.
For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415871189
Auction: National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands, 26th Mar, 2025
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An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands.
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