HIGHLIGHTS
- Highly prized 50 cc rarity
- U.K. registered from new
- Age-related registration number
- Super-low mileage from new
- Show as is or recommission
THE APPEAL
The Itom factory was founded in Turin in 1948 and began by making clip-on power units for bicycles and quickly progressed to manufacturing mopeds. Lightweight 50cc motorcycles, such as the Super Sport, then followed during the 1950’s, appealing to Italy’s speed-obsessed youth.
Also popular for international competition use, these miniature bikes dominated 50cc racing in the U.K. during the late 1950’s with both Mike Hailwood and Bill Ivy racing them with great success at the start of their racing careers. In standard trim they were capable of 47 mph and when tuned could reach 68 mph un-faired.
This delightful early Itom was restored some time ago now, but is still in good condition with a degree of patina on show. It has been part of a collection and on display in recent years so will require some recommissioning if you so wish. However, we are reliably informed that it runs and rides.
Fast becoming collectable, it will undoubtedly attract more attention at a bike meet than anything else.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- U.K. bike first registered on the 11th July 1958
- Up to date V5C
- Non-transferrable age-related registration number
- Correct frame and engine number’s present
- No MOT records (exempt)
- Currently on SORN
THE CONDITION
- The red paintwork is presentable with a few scrapes
- Sound looking frame
- Silver painted handlebars
- Veglia 60 mph speedometer
- Original style fuel tank
- Reasonable Vetta headlight and rear light
- Re-trimmed racing style seat
- Clean engine and ancillaries
- Silver painted hubs and 18” rims with stainless spokes
- Decent looking Italian Ceat tyres front and rear
THE MECHANICS
- 49.5 cc Itom two-stroke air-cooled engine
- Producing around 3.2 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
- Dellorto carburettor
- Three-speed twist grip change
- Flywheel magneto and external coil
- 6-volt lighting and horn supplied by flywheel dynamo
- Telescopic folks/swing-arm rear suspension
- Rod-operated rear brake
- Painted exhaust with Itom silencer
As mentioned, the owner informs us that this Itom starts, runs and rides but could do with some basic maintenance, gear selection cable adjustments and tweaks, to get it performing at it’s best.
SUMMARY
Enthusiasts of the Itom will appreciate it’s lightweight performance attributes and the significant success it achieved in international motorsport history.
Oozing Italian design and style, we imagine this particular little gem would stand beautifully in a private collection or man cave and represents superb value and a great investment.
