1953 Benelli Leoncino 125 Normale
Highlights
- Recent restoration including paintwork and bodywork
- Superb red finish with many original features
- Frame and fuel tank recently professionally restored
- Rare Leoncino model with delicate, elegant styling
- Ideal for a collection or usable after a few adjustments
A plus
The Leoncino has been a crucial commercial success for Benelli in Italy. Elegant, light and with excellent handling, it was just as successful on urban and suburban roads as it was on the racetrack. It was so successful that it remained in production for three decades.
Numerous variants were produced, but here we have the 125 Normale, available from 1952 and marketed throughout the 1950s. These models were powered by Benelli's 123cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, recognisable by its iconic 'ham' crankcase.
This early model was first registered in 1953. The vendor inherited it from his grandfather and has subjected it to a thorough restoration including refurbishment of the frame and tank, installation of a new clutch, conversion to a reliable 12V electronic ignition and the start of an engine overhaul. There is still some work to be done on the engine to make it fully functional, but this should be relatively straightforward.
Visually, the bike is stunning with its bright red paintwork, plenty of chrome - including the Benelli exhausts - and well-preserved period decals. Many original features have been carefully preserved, including the grips and dials.
This magnificent Benelli is ready to enter a static collection or could be restored to roadworthy condition with a few further adjustments.
History and Documents
- First registration 1953
- Certificate of Registration in current owner's name
- Inherited in February 2022 from seller's grandfather
- Still stored in a garage by the current owner
- Registered in France with a Carte Grise Collection and a FFVE certificate
- Matching serial numbers according to the seller
General Condition
- Restored motorbike with new epoxy paint and rustproofing treatment
- Paintwork carried out in cabin, according to information supplied
- Frame and tank refurbished at time of restoration
- Red paintwork in good condition, with only minor defects (e.g. small scratch)
- Painted spoked wheels in good condition
- Antique whitewall tyres
- Chrome well preserved, with a few minor areas of tarnish
- Beige leather saddle, professionally refinished
- Original parts retained, including grips and speedometer
- Odometer cable out of order, according to seller
Mechanical
- Benelli 123cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine
- 3-speed manual gearbox
- Numbers match according to seller
- Brakes in good condition
- Gearbox functional, according to seller
- Engine partially restored and in need of refurbishment
- New 12V electronic ignition fitted
- New clutch recently fitted
- Electrical wiring redone
- Original Benelli exhaust visible in photos
- Not sold in working order, according to seller
- Engine does not start at present, mechanics still to be finished
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or placing a bid, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.
✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.
✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].
Vehicle specification
- Year 1952
- Make Benelli
- Model Leoncino 125
- Colour Red
- Odometer 500 Kilometres
- Engine size 123
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Auvergne Rhone Alpes
- Location International
- Country France
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
If you don’t have a Car & Classic account with a registered bank card you’ll be prompted to set one up at this point.
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The service fee is a charge in addition to any accepted offer amount that varies depending on the cost of the vehicle. Starting from as little as £/€300, the exact fee is clearly displayed upfront before any offer is placed so you always know exactly how much you'll be charged. It covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services and allows us to continue to provide a secure and professional platform from which to transact safely.
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