c.1950 Rota 500cc Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 47 A 0001

• Ultra-rare representative of a short-lived Italian marque
• One of only some 15 of all types made
• Unique machine

As far as Italian motorcycle manufacturers go, they don't come any more obscure than Moto Rota, which existed for only a few years in the early 1950s and is said to have built only some 15 machines. Born in Tuscany, Felice Rota worked for the giant Piaggio concern as a designer, moving to Biella with his employers when their Pontadera factory was bombed in 1944. At Biella he worked on Piaggio's Paperino scooter prototype and also the immortal Vespa before setting up on his own. Rota's motorcycles were manufactured in 250cc and 500cc guises; overhead-valve sports and overhead-camshaft racing versions were on offer, the 500cc sport being capable of 140km/h and the racer of 165km/h. The racer's overhead camshaft was driven by shaft-and-bevel gears, and the engine's bore/stroke were 84x89mm; a maximum output of 32bhp was claimed, a respectable enough figure at the time.

Judging from the physical size of its engine, the unique machine offered here is a 500. Notable features include unitary construction of the engine/gearbox, a telescopic front fork, and swinging-arm rear suspension (all advanced features at the time) and a large, (and very vulnerable looking) outside flywheel. Unfortunately, nothing is known of the machine's history. No documents.

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.