Registration Nos: Unregistered
Frame Nos: Not visible
Engine Nos: Not visible
CCs: 160 & 190
MOTs: Exempt

• Part of the Mike Webster collection
• Here we have two Moto Guzzi Gallettos a 160 and a 190
• Both are to be sold as one lot for restoration
• part of the Mike Webster collection
• There are no documents with this lot
• Rare scooters

Established in 1921 Moto Guzzi in Mandello near Lecco, close to the banks of Lake Como, is the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production. Moto Guzzi was limited in its endeavours to penetrate the important scooter market as motorcycle popularity waned after WWII. Italian scooter competitors would not tolerate an incursion from Moto Guzzi. By producing the first large wheeled scooter Guzzi (the Galletto) competed less directly with manufacturers of small-wheeled scooters such as Piaggio and Lambretta. When Guzzi developed their own prototype for a small-wheeled scooter Lambretta retaliated with a prototype for a small V-twin motorcycle threatening to directly compete with Moto Guzzi. The two companies compromised and Guzzi never produced their small-wheeled scooter and Lambretta never manufactured the motorcycle.

Moto Guzzi's Galletto (translated as cockerel) was intended to offer scooter-type weather protection and comfort allied to the superior handling qualities of a true motorcycle. Guzzi kept with tradition, specifying an overhead-valve, air-cooled 'flat single' with outside flywheel. The Galletto cycle parts consisted of a tubular steel spine frame combined with sheet metal pressings, complemented by a leading-link front fork and single-sided rear swing arm. In scooter fashion the Galletto came with a spare wheel, all three wheels being interchangeable. Launched in March 1950 in 160cc three-speed form the Galletto was upgraded to 175cc and four speeds in 1952 and then to 192cc in 1954. These are rare scooters nowadays and these two examples, combined as one lot, should appeal as an attractive proposition. 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).

Please note: this lot consists of a pair of mopeds.

For more information, please contact:
info@handh.co.uk
01925210035