€2,500

offers 0

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.

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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
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BEFORE BUYING
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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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