Description
This motorcycle is Lot 337 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
** 1961 Bianchi 318cc MT61**
Registration no. VSU 568
Frame no. TM 1137
Engine no. * MM2518*
Founded in the late 1890s, Bianchi made little impact outside Italy before WWII despite an innovative approach which saw a team of unit-construction, twin-overhead-cam 350s entered in the 1926 Isle of Man TT. In the post-war period the company's road range consisted mainly of lightweights, the mainstay of production being 175cc models like the Tonale. Styled as only the Italians know how and featuring a unitary-construction, overhead-cam engine; duplex loop frame; and full-width alloy hubs, the Tonale must have seemed light-years in advance of its British contemporaries. A 250cc version of this Bianchi single powered the Sprint racer, while a further stretched - to 318cc- version went into the firm's MT61 military offering that was introduced in 1961 for use by the Italian Army. Prepared for multi-terrain deployment, the MT 61 featured a distinctive upswept exhaust system enabling it to ford rivers and streams.
This MT61 was first registered in the UK in 1989 and underwent a full restoration in 2022 (no bills available). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, completeness, authenticity, originality, constituent components and mechanical condition prior to bidding. The machine is offered with a current V5C Registration Certificate and two maintenance/ repair manuals.
Offered with key
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
