Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: 51M18602
Engine No: 51M18602
cc: 350

Montesa was founded during 1945 by Francisco Bulto and Pedro Permanyer and from the outset relied heavily on competition as a means of promoting their products. Initially the emphasis was on road racing, although in later years off road competition became more important.
The first Cota was announced during 1968 and met with instant success, displacing 246cc the new machine featured a one piece seat and tank unit and a five speed gearbox. These early machine were to sire a range of trials bikes all bearing the Cota name in capacities ranging from 49cc to the 350cc class. Wins at all levels in both national and international trials were secured by riders such Ulf Karlsson and Malcolm Rathmell although it was not until 1980 that the factory claimed their first World Constructors Trials Championship, repeating the feat in 1981. That year marked the beginning of the liaison with Honda which eventually saw the Japanese company become 85% shareholders in the firm. Today Montesa continue to compete at the highest level thanks to the support from Honda.
This example of the 348 Cota, known as the Malcolm Rathmell Replica is presented to a very high standard. The model, that was introduced for the 1976 season, offered a higher torque output when compared to its smaller siblings and quickly established itself as a favourite with experienced competitors, although it could prove a handful for the inexperienced. It retains the direct lighting kit which was usually discarded and is offered with Spanish documentation.