Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 30280
Engine No: 27802
CC: 125
MOT: Exempt

• This Moto Rumi Sport was raced by Mike Webster
• Used by him with great success back in the 1980s
• Sold as seen and as an uncomplete machine
• A worthy and rare project

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 companys 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 in Standard, Sport and Bol d’or versions. With an enthusiastic international following Rumi scooters are very collectible today.

This Tipo Sport racer was built by the vendor and raced by himself on the track in the 1980s. It is certainly from 1956 onwards and appears to be a Tipo Sport specification engine, judging by the inlet manifold and larger finned head. The forks, brakes wheels are all standard Rumi but with the addition of Lambretta-type extra dampers. The scooter is incomplete but a very worthy and rewarding restoration or conservation project. Mike Webster is one of the longest standing members and is the official historian of the VMSC (Vintage Motor Scooter club). He has had several books published including Classic scooters (Paragon 1997) and Motor scooters (Shire 1986).

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