Description
This motorcycle is Lot 83 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale; open for bidding 5-15th June 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 June, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 June, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 1
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 10 June, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 June, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 83
The David Plant Collection
c. 1953 Bianchi 45cc Aquilotto
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 7453
Engine no. 194866
Founded in the late 1890s, Bianchi made little impact outside Italy before WW2 despite an innovative approach which saw a team of unitary 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. Below the Tonale in the pecking order were various two-stroke lightweights and mopeds such as the popular 125cc Bianchina, while further down the scale was the Aquilotto moped, an unusual feature of which was its blade-type girder front fork. A competitor for the French Velo-Solex, the Aquilotto was more expensive than a simple auxiliary 'clip-on' engine, but afforded the considerable convenience of being an already assembled, complete motorcycle. It was available in three different versions: Normale, Sport and Gran Luss.
Offered for recommissioning, this Aquilotto was purchased by the vendor's late wife at an auction - he described it as 'coming as a pleasant surprise!'. The machine appears to be in original condition - or possibly an older restoration that has mellowed - and would benefit from a detailed clean (the engine turns over). There are no documents with this Lot.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£400 - 800
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.
