During WWII, Mario Malanca served with the Italian Air Force and subsequently worked with motorcycle manufacturer Ducati. He later established his eponymous company, based in Bologna, Italy, and began by producing mechanical parts and wheel hubs for motorcycles. In 1956, the company started constructing entire motorcycles and they proved to be very successful in their early days of competition, winning six championships within five years in the 50 cc and 60 cc classes. But the small-displacement market soon began to see a gradual decline, and with larger-capacity motorcycles becoming popular, Malanca turned its attention to building 125 cc motorcycles.

The Malanca Testa Rossa 50 cc model used a 4 hp, two-stroke engine coupled to a four-speed gearbox, which was housed within a Daspa frame. A 20 mm carburetor helped the motorcycle reach an impressive top speed of over 90 km/h. This lovely example was purchased in 2017 by noted Miami-based collector Leo Schigiel and joined his impressive stable of Italian motorcycles and cars. Bearing frame no. 4MS6777, this Malanca appears to be very nicely restored, and displays its distinctive “Testa Rossa” red-painted cylinder head. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very rare small-displacement sporting bike from one of the country’s preeminent Italian motorcycle collections.

*Please note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and may require mechanical attention prior to road use.