M M ( MAZZETTI MORINI ) - Lot 56

M M ( MAZZETTI MORINI ) Motorcycles 250 cc 4-stroke vertical single-cylinder, overhead camshaft, aluminum cylinder head 1951 Serial no. 51 A 6339 Engine no. 51 A 6273 French collector's registration The motorcycle in the collection was purchased restored in Italy in 1997 and has not been ridden since. It is in exceptional condition. This is a rare motorcycle of quality construction. It will need to be restarted. MM was founded in Bologna in 1924 by Mario MAZZETTI, formerly of Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer GD. One of MAZZETTI's business partners was Alfonso MORINI, who left to set up his own company in 1937. From humble origins, Mario MAZZETTI had worked as a blacksmith and mechanic from an early age, attending evening classes at Aldini-Valeriani. After designing his own 2-stroke engine, in 1924 he founded MM with Alfonso MORINI and two associates, to which he devoted his life and technical knowledge, designing all models until its closure in the late 1950s. MM's first motorcycle was a 125cc horizontal-cylinder two-stroke, the first in a range that enjoyed immense success in competitions throughout the 1920s. MM was Bologna's largest motorcycle company, employing 80 workers in the creation of high performance, fast, reliable and elegant motorcycles. The company's commercial success was bolstered by its sporting success, which saw it rival the major national brands, conquering 461 podiums with 264 victories from 1924 to 1957. 7 Italian Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships. 10 World Speed World Speed Records. MM manufactured motorcycles for the Italian army during the Second World War and, when hostilities ceased, returned to civilian production with a range of new models. With high performance far outweighing their weight, this was not what the market wanted, and MM closed its doors in 1957. The very rare 250 Type 47A was born at the Milan Motor Show in 1946. It featured chain-driven overhead camshaft timing. The 250 developed 14hp, which, together with the BV 4, enabled the 155kg engine to reach a speed of 125 km/h.