Beschreibung:

'In the 250cc category Benelli offers a unique machine that has to be ridden to be believed. The lay-down single-cylinder engine delivers performance that has the rider wondering if it really is only a 250.' – Petersen's Motorcycle Buyer's Guide, 1968. Although badged as a Benelli, the machine that so excited MBG was in fact the Barracuda model that had originated as a Motobi. Italy's oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, Benelli was founded in 1911 by the six Benelli brothers, the oldest of whom, Giuseppe, left in 1949 to found his own company – Moto 'B' Pesaro, later Motobi. The latter's first design was a 98cc single-cylinder two-stroke lightweight with horizontal engine, a layout that would characterise its offerings from then onwards. In the early 1950s a new range of all-aluminum engines was introduced, whose profile resembled that of an egg or rugby ball, and this style was deliberately retained when Motobi switched to overhead-valve four-strokes towards the decade's end. Six years after Giuseppe's death in 1957, Motobi merged with Benelli and its two model lines continuing to be manufactured, although often with 'Motobi' disappearing from the tank. This bike was found in a small village in New Zealand 'out the back of beyond.' It is believed to be unrestored although there is a color mismatch between tank and side panels. However, it is nicely patinated, and is said to start and run. Seldom do 'rugby ball' Benellis reach the market today; not to be missed.