Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
29th Mar, 2023 12:00
1956 Moto Rumi Formichino
Owned for 50 years
No Reserve
Registration No: OPY 484
Frame No: 26858
Engine No: 23224
CC: 125
MOT: Exempt
Part of the Mike Webster collection
One owner for over 50 years
Restored and in full working order
First registered in August 1956
No V5 but on DVLA system
Rumi of Bergamo in northern Italy were an established industrial company long before the scooter boom of the 1950s. They were involved in metal foundry products for private, government and military markets. The anchor on the later Rumi logo and badge refers back to the company’s history and previous involvement with the manufacture of naval equipment during the second world war. Motorcycle production using the now legendary two-stroke twin engine fitted to almost all Rumi two-wheelers started with a prototype in 1949. Production of motorcycles ranged from basic touring style machines through to full factory-supported racing machines. With Piaggio and Innocenti showing success with their scooters it was an obvious decision to get involved with smaller wheeled machines. The first scooter Rumi produced was the Scoiattolo (squirrel). It was a clever idea as it used many parts already in production for the motorcycles including forks, hubs, and nacelle and the proven excellent two-stroke twin engine. Whilst the Scoiattolo proved to handle well and was a very practical machine Rumi needed a scooter design more in tune with the times. The Formichino addressed this and the aluminium-bodied small wheeled range is so unique that it demands attention for its looks and performance. These where the quickest 125cc factory produced scooters of the time and were available in Standard, Sport and Bol d’Or versions. With an enthusiastic international following Rumi scooters are very collectible today.
This Formichino has been owned by the vendor for over 50 years and was been restored by himself an eminent Rumi historian. In our opinion is in apparent excellent condition. It appears to be correct. 1956 was the first year the aluminium bodied Formichino series where imported into the UK. The colour, 8 inch wheels, and headlight nacelle all appear to be correct. 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).
