1972 Bultaco Model 85 Aplina 250cc
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Highlights
- Matching numbers example, confirmed by Bultaco UK
- Lovely restoration complete in 2017
- Stored in a dry, heated garage
- Mechanically recommissioned in 2017
The Appeal
A brand that started in the late 1950’s with a very simple and intimidating mission statement: build great competition motorcycles. And they did. The Bultaco two stroke singles overwhelmed the 1960’s taking the checkered flag in pretty much anything they would compete in, from road racing to motocross trials. The bikes were strong, lightweight and dependable, just what the riders needed in a time where factory supported riders were somewhat non-existent.
One of the most successful models to come from Bultaco was this right here, the Alpina 250, named to honour Europe's largest mountain range. The bike appeared in 1971, followed by 125, 175 and 350 variants, however the first model to come around was the Model 85, like we have here.
This particular example we have has been sympathetically restored by an owner who wished to relive his youth; and we think he’s done it absolutely perfectly. Purchased from another enthusiast who had begun the restoration process on the bike after importing it from the USA, there has been an extensive amount of work since it passed hands to the current custodian which we’ll get right in to!
The History and Paperwork
- Originally manufactured in 1972
- Exported from Bultaco Spain to the USA for the first owner
- Imported over the the UK on the 28/10/2011 with Govnors Bridge of Warwickshire
- C&E 389 form available which covered the import of the vehicle from outside of the EU
- Purchased by a motorcycle enthusiast in 2012 who begun the long restoration process of the bike
- Listed for sale on Car & Classic in 2016 where the current custodian purchased it as a restoration project as the previous owner could not finish it
- The bike underwent extensive work and the restoration was complete in 2017
- Original and period correct speedometer had to be fitted to the vehicle, 558 miles have been completed since however this is not the original mileage of the bike which cannot be verified
- £2,000 worth of recommissioning work in 2017 to get the bike running during restoration
- Receipts just under £1,000 with In Motion Motor Cycles for replacement parts which were required
- Vehicle fully UK registered with registration application
- V5C valid in current owners name
- Letter of Provenance from Bultaco UK which confirms the engine and frame numbers are correct
- Motorcycle is MOT exempt, however the bike was MOT’d after restoration to ensure it was roadworthy
- Road tax exempt
- Over £6,000 spent on this project for the current custodian
- Box of spare parts and bike specific tools
- Haynes workshop manual
- Los Angeles Bultaco service and repair handbook which dates back to 1974
- Original USA spec front mudguard and brackets
The Exterior
- Stunning period correct two-tone paintwork with yellow pinstriping
- Vinyl seat in fantastic condition with Bultaco logo on the rear
- Lower Europe spec mudguard fitted during restoration
- Brightwork all in lovely condition
- Frame powder coated, some light staining on downtubes
- Tank seat unit has been restored and repainted in original factory colours
- Rims and hubs have been repolished and look fantastic
- Tyres have good tread on them
- Engine is in great condition
- Headlight in outstanding shape
- Period correct black and silver registration plate
- Shocks and springs in beautiful condition
This is one of those bikes you have to see in person to get an appreciation for how well it’s been put together. Truly a bike worthy of the amount of attention and praise it receives from passers by and fellow enthusiasts, especially from those in the know with an understanding of Bultaco’s fantastic racing history.
At the front of the bike, the current owner has fitted the lower front mudguard for European spec instead of the original high-mounted USA spec guard, however he does state that he has a USA spec guard and mounts in his possession and will include it in the sale of the bike should the new owner wish to change it back. The guard itself is in lovely shape with great brightwork, showing some very gentle signs of age in the form of light scratching that is characteristic of any brightwork, and it gives the bike a little more charm than it would if it was flawless. Original Bultaco mudguard is fitted to the rear of the front wheel and looks in great shape too.
The headlight assembly is free from damage, the lens is clear and doesn’t appear to have any signs of clouding or cracks, and the brightwork surround is very well maintained. The headlamp sits on aftermarket rubber mounts which help reduce vibration and prolong the life of the lamp, however the owner does have the original metal brackets however. Front forks are very much the same, very well maintained and well presented, the same is said about the new Domino handlebars and rubber grips which all look absolutely fantastic! The period correct speedometer shows a mere 558 miles since it was fitted, the owner states that upon purchasing it originally it was actually broken and it had to be sent off to Peter Bond of Surrey to be expertly repaired and restored, it now functions flawlessly as it should.
Moving around to the side of the motorcycle we get a better view of the stunning factory specification paint job which has been done on the tank, in blue and silver with yellow pinstriping separating the colours to match the Bultaco emblem on the side of the tank, expertly done. The frame has also been fully stripped and powder coated during its restoration process to get it looking as factory as possible, there is some light staining on the downtubes however this adds a little more of that ‘patina’ that gives a vehicle so much charm and character, adding to the originality. Both wheels had been sent to Central Wheels and stripped down the hubs and rims, new spokes fitted, and everything polished to look as good as new, new tyres and inner tubes were also fitted during this process!
To the rear of the bike, the rear mudguard is in excellent shape with only some very gentle age related marks, the rear light is in great condition with the lens being free of any damage or water ingress and retains fantastic saturation with no fading, sitting directly above the period correct license plate. We also get a better look at the rear shocks and springs here, which honestly look near brand new with stunning chrome spring and black shock housings. The seat showcases the Bultaco logo in all its glory too, all of the stitching remains wonderful and the vinyl work is in fabulous condition with no rips, tears or cracks anywhere to be seen.
Overall, this bike is a rolling piece of artwork. There are very gentle hints throughout that point to the vehicle's age but that’s really what classics are all about, you don’t want to remove every little bit of history, you want to retain it and make it look as beautiful as can be. This is an outstanding example of that; extremely well done from all aspects.
The Mechanics
- Original 244cc two stroke engine
- Five speed transmission
- Fork bearings have been renewed and frame welding tidied
- New wheel bearings fitted during restoration
- New front and rear sprockets and chain
- New brake shoes front and rear with new front brake cable
- New handlebars, grips and brake and clutch levers
- Fuel tank treated with Caswells GTS 1750 tank sealant - applied by the individual who actually invented the sealant
- Ignition has been changed to an Electrex CDI, providing much better spark than the original system
- Complete new wiring harness made by GS Auto Electrics
- Top end engine rebuild
- Carbs cleaned by Clean Carbs in Guildford
- Carb overhaul from Burlen Limited
- Over £2,000 of invoices from recommissioning by Ideal Motor Cycles of West Sussex
Excellently mechanically sorted. As can be seen from the list above, a no expense spared attitude has been taken with regards to this lovely Bultaco’s restoration ensuring that it’s up to the best standard possible.
Featuring the original 244cc two stroke engine, with a top end rebuild, the bike runs like clockwork - of course being a two stroke from the 70’s it is characteristically smoky just like the rest of them. The power delivery from the 25hp engine remains strong and the gearbox functions as you’d expect it to, however due to the gearing of these bikes don’t expect it to be face melting fast, it’s a 250 after all! Brakes are strong thanks to the new brake shoes fitted front and rear, too.
During the restoration of the bike, the owner seeked the assistance of Simon Elliot, the owner of Ideal Motor Cycles in West Sussex to help complete the restoration to a masterful standard after sourcing the majority of the parts required himself. Happily undertaking the work, the bike was fully complete and recommissioned by Simon ensuring functionality was as good as can be, where the bike flew through an MOT with no advisories or faults.
This Bultaco is ready to hit the road and leave you with a massive grin on your face!
Summary
With over £6,000 spent from start to finish in the ownership of the current custodian, the dream to relive his youth has been fulfilled, and the time to move on to something else has come. Due to not riding as much as he used to, the bike rests in a heated garage and is regularly checked over.
Not many bikes can say they have such a successful and rich racing history, but Bultaco is certainly one of them, dominating the 60’s wherever they decided to compete. This is your chance to own a piece of two-wheeled history, extremely well presented and completely sorted. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an excellent piece of automotive artwork.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Bultaco
- Model Alpina 250cc - Model 85
- Colour Blue and Silver
- Odometer 558 Miles
- Engine size 244
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Worthing
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
1
bid
- st•••• £7,100 11/09/22
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