1960 CZ 175cc Cezeta 501.03, Frame no. 151449 Engine no. 152351

1960 CZ 175cc Cezeta 501.03
Frame no. 151449
Engine no. 152351
Looking like a two-wheeled jet-ski designed for the TV series Thunderbirds, CZ's futuristic Cezeta owed its unusual appearance to its bulbous fuel tank located above the front wheel so to free up space under the long seat for luggage. They placed a rack on top of said mudguard, too. The pressed steel monocoque must have cost a fortune to make! The Czech firm's first motor scooter appeared in 1946, with the Cezeta following in 1957 through 1964. Ceska Zbrojovka Strakonice started motorcycle production in 1935, then in Czechoslavakia, to close up shop in 1997, now in the Czech Republic. Production started again in 2017 with an electric 'continuation' Type 506 version.

Originally powered by a 171.8cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine with a 4-speed transmission, the rubber-suspended Cezeta was also marketed as a Jawa as the 'Boheme' model. There was even a three-wheeler version – the Type 505 – which was available with a variety of commercial bodies. Smaller-engined Manet and Tatran models followed, although none of these Eastern Bloc scooters made much impact outside their home territories in spite of them making over 115,000 Cezetas.

An absolute 'must have' for the serious scooter collector, this wonderful Cezeta Type 501.3 (single sided rear swing arm suspended on a rubber block) has had little use since restoration, and has been on display in a private climate-controlled facility amongst other vintage scooters. As with all lots in the sale, this lot is sold 'as is/where is' and bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.