Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1954 Motobi Catria Lusso
Award-winning restoration
Estimate
£3, 000 - £4, 000
Registration No: 502 UYE
Frame No: C454618
MOT: Exempt
Just three keepers since first British registration in 2014
Fully restored since 2024
Multiple awards won at shows
After disagreements with his brothers, Giuseppe Benelli started building his own machines in Pesaro under the Moto B name in 1951, before changing it to Motobi. They were best-known for their unusual egg-shaped engines, the performance versions being nicknamed “power eggs” by the Italians. One of the most popular models was the 173cc Catria four-stroke, overhead-valve single, which was available for touring in the Lusso guise. Cycle World tested the Sport version in 1962, summarising it as “a very good small-class motorcycle.” The original Benelli firm acquired Motobi in 1962, but discontinued it in 1976.
This delightful 1954 Catria 175cc Lusso was first registered in Britain in 2014, and was acquired that year by its second registered keeper, but it was bought by the third keeper in 2024 as a restoration project. A keen collector of historic Italian lightweights, he had the machine stripped and then had all the parts restored to a very high standard. Since then, he has kept the Motobi in regular use and has picked up several awards at shows. Described as “very good” all-round, and quick and nimble on the road, it is supplied with the V5C and some spares.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
