c.1960 Aermacchi 246cc Ala Verde Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 222444
Engine no. 222444

A household name among motorcyclists thanks to its heroic achievement of producing the most highly developed and successful overhead-valve racing single ever, Aermacchi was a relative latecomer to motorcycle manufacture, building its first machine, the curious scooter-like Convertible, in the late 1940s. Aermacchi's first 'proper' motorcycle, the two-stroke Monsone, appeared in 1950, but it was not until 1956 that the firm's trademark horizontally mounted four-stroke single made its debut in the Chimera. Featuring enclosed bodywork reminiscent of Ariel's Arrow, but bags more stylish, the Chimera would remain in production until 1960. Before then it had been joined by a quartet of more conventionally styled machines in 175cc and 250cc capacities, the sporting version of the 250 being the 80mph Ala Verde. We are advised that this Ala Verde was converted to racing trim in the 1960s and thus must have spent almost all of its life in this form. A long-stroke model with right-hand gearchange, the machine has formed part of a private collection for the past 20 years and will required light re-commission and the usual safety checks before further use. An ideal entry-level machine for either classic racing or parading, it is offered without documents.