1952 Aermacchi Cigno 125

I recently acquired a couple of 1950's Italian motorcycles. This one is a 1952 Aermacchi Cigno 125. Aermacchi was originally an Italian aircraft manufacturer founded in 1912 by Giulio Macchi. After WWII they began producing motorcycles to fill the post-war need for inexpensive, efficient transportation.The Cigno was the very first motorcycle that Aermacchi produced from 1951-53. In 1960 Harley Davidson purchased 50% of Aermacchi's motorcycle division and by 1974 owned the motorcycle division outright. Harley Davidson Aermacchi's are quite common in the US, but early pre-Harley Aermacchi's are quite scarce in the US. For a 60 year motorcycle, this one is in pretty amazing original condition.  

This motorcycle has some very unique features. What at first glance appears to be a gas tank is actually a storage compartment that can be dropped down converting the bike into a step through scooter type configuration. With the storage compartment up, the bike has more of a traditional motorcycle appearance. The gas tank is located under the front solo seat. You can see the gas cap below the seat. It's a little awkward putting gas in the bike. You need a can with a flexible spout.

Another unique feature is the engine mounted to the pivoting rear swing arm with the exhaust being routed through the swing arm.

Even though this bike has a few spots of light surface rust, some dings and scratches, it has a really nice original patina. There's part of me that would like to touch up an re-chrome a few things on the bike, and there's a part of me that would like to leave it as is. As they say, it's only original once.

Isetta Video - Jack's Toy

Here's a nice video produced by Petrolicious Productions about an Isetta owner who purchased his Isetta new in the 50's and later sold it when the BMW dealers quite working on them. During 1970's gas shortages, he began regretting selling his Isetta and started looking for another one. He eventually managed to find his original car which had only logged an additional 25 miles since he sold it. Click on the above photo to go to the video.

Another good video on the Petrolicious website that would be of interest to microcar aficionados is the video titled "Speed of Sunshine". It's the story of a Fiat 500 owner and her meticulously restored Fiat. Click on the above photo to go to that video. And as they like to say at Petrolicious, "Drive Tastefully"

2013 GPNW Microcar Extravaganza via Crosley Kook

If your a fan of Crosleys or microcars in general, you need to check out the Crosley Kook's blog. Lot's of great Crosley and microcar related content. Click on the above photo to see his recent post on the 2013 Great Pacific Northwest Microcar Extravaganza. 

Isetta - Engine Stand Blueprints

2013 HoAME Vintage Motorcycle Show

Tis the season in the midwest for all the annual car and motorcycle shows. The following pics are from the 2013 Heart of America Motorcycle Enthusiast Vintage Motorcycle Show at the Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City, MO. Not quite as many bikes as last years show, especially the pre 60's old-timers which are the ones I tend to like best. Even though there weren't as many bikes as last year, it's still a great show and a good time. 

Isetta - Chocolate Mold

Mmmmm...... Chocolate Isetta

Isetta Brochure - Miss Rheingold

The BMW Isetta brochure featuring "Miss Rheingold 1958" Madelyn Darrow is very similar to the Cary Grant brochure with the exception of it also has a picture of the BMW 600. There was also a Rheingold Beer advertisement from 1958 using the un-cropped color version of this same photo of  Miss Rheingold posing with an Isetta.