Offered from The Collection of the Late Jack Silverman,1955 Ceccato Corsa 75cc SOHC, Frame no. DM030 Engine no. 185/160

Offered from The Collection of the Late Jack Silverman
1955 Ceccato Corsa 75cc SOHC
Frame no. DM030
Engine no. 185/160
• Rare Italian competition motorcycle
• Restored in Italy by Enea Entati
• Concours winner at Le May 2013

Few motorcycle enthusiasts outside its native Italy are likely to have heard of Ceccato, though its stylish and well-made products are unmistakably Italian. The company was founded in the mid 1930s by pharmacist Pietro Ceccato, occupying premises at Montecchio Maggiore and then Alte Ceccato near Vicenza in northern Italy. Ceccato manufactured industrial equipment, and only turned to motorcycle making after WW2, commencing in 1948. The company started out by producing a 38cc (later 48cc) moped - the Romeo - before developing a range of lightweight motorcycles. Argentina was a major market, where Ceccato's motorcycles were marketed under the 'Zanella Ceccato' name.

In 1953, Ceccato bought the design (originally offered to Mondial) for a 75cc double-overhead-camshaft engine from the legendary Fabio Taglioni, who would be responsible for Ducati's desmodromic valve system. That engine, Taglioni's first, brought him to the attention of Ducati, and following a spell with Mondial he joined the company in 1954.

While five of Ceccato's DOHC racers were built, the modified single-overhead-camshaft Corsa model was the mainstay of the company's racing efforts, its lighter weight being more suitable for long distance road races such as the Giro d'Italia. Indeed, a 75cc Ceccato won its class in the 1955 Moto Giro. With a maximum of 7bhp available at 10,500rpm, the 75cc Ceccato had a top speed of around 110km/h (68mph).

As well as motorcycles, Ceccato produced bicycles, air compressors, gas cylinders and service station equipment, and remained active in those fields after it ceased motorcycle manufacture in 1963. It is still in existence today.

This rare Ceccato Corsa was bought at the Mostra Scambio 'swap meet' at Reggio Emilia, Italy at least 10 years ago, and was restored by Enea Entati, a highly respected specialist who has more than 50 years experience. Presented in beautiful condition, the machine won the 'Best of Show' award at the Le May 'Vintage Motorcycle Festival' in 2013.