Puzzle of the Day

[Colin Sparrow]

Came across this "barn find" the other day.

I know what make it is but not which model, but what can you experts make of it?

[Brian Catt]

m55 looks like this

[John Wakefield]

Are you sure Brian, the pic you have posted has a different frame & also the engine is different. A later model maybe.

[Colin Sparrow]

You're warm, Brian, it is Italian, but it's not a Ducati.

Note: four-stroke engine and plunger rear suspension

[AndyB]

Motom?

http://www.mopedarmy.com/photos/brand/199/

AndyB

[John Wakefield]

Italian moped

A 1965 Motom 50 http://bringatrailer.com/2011/09/29/1965-motom-50/
Here is another one quoted as a Motom 48 Cross http://www.mopedarmy.com/photos/brand/199/2546/

[Colin Sparrow]

Didn't think it would take you guys long! Well done.

48cc Motom ciclomotore. This example is alleged to be 1958 - they were made for a number of years.

It lived near Turin and was in use up to 1978 when the gearbox packed up. I've got it running, but no gears.

Pretty uncommon in UK - they were never exported.

I wonder what it's worth.

[John Wakefield]

Colin, Looks like you will be joining the NACC http://www.thebuzzingclub.co.uk/

[Rob]

About time you got rid of that V8 racing car and used something you can manage. Just as well it's got no gears, twist and go is enough for you these days!

[Colin Sparrow]

John, it's not mine, I'm just trying to sort it out for a friend's son.

Rob, the latest toy is actually a V6. I've downsized from 4.6 litres to 3.5.

(Aren't pensioners supposed to drive Nissans..?)

[Rob]

Yes, and I followed a bl**dy pensioner-driven Micra all the way up from the coast on the twisty A283 whilst riding my bike yesterday afternoon!

I've had a re-think and Matron agrees that you will be less of a menace in the (downsized) V6!!