1951 Moto Guzzi Airone 250 (D335)
Iconic Moto Guzzi Model ... Popular Success … Legendary Racing History
We acquired this Moto Guzzi from a private collector in largely original condition and have inspected and serviced the bike prior to offering it for sale. Very faithful to the original, the finish shows ample patina, scuffs and scratches. The bike wears its long history proudly and no attempt has been made to hide it. Engine, electrical, chassis and braking systems have been inspected and refreshed as needed. The Airone has been road tested and checked out. This vintage Moto Guzzi comes with copies of the original documents and an Italian license plate of the time period.
Very original, early 1950’s example of iconic Moto Guzzi sport middleweight. A rare find, one of the most famous and popular Moto Guzzi models, this 1951 Airone (Heron in Italian ) is truly a work of industrial art. The Airone was introduced in 1939 but production was soon interrupted by WWII. Post war production resumed with the 1946 model. This bike proved popular and was updated in the early 1950’s. This Moto Guzzi is in largely original condition and was stored for many years. A true showpiece displaying the remarkable craftsmanship and unique engineering of a true classic and a stunning historical icon that shows the character of a motorcycle well loved.
This 1951 model is fitted with characteristic Moto Guzzi classic details including a chrome fuel tank, enclosed valve springs, telescopic fork and friction dampers for the swingarm. Wheels are in good shape and tires are vintage.
Overall paintwork is in fair condition, aging gracefully with ample patina and worn areas. The shapely fuel tank shows well with decent chrome, original Moto Guzzi branded rubber pads and faded decals. The solo front saddle is new and there is a well padded pillion saddle atop the rear fender. Handlebars and all chromed controls are in working order and good condition. There are twin lockable pillion compartments mounted to the rear fender. The engine and running gear have been gone thru and refreshed as needed. Fascinating details include the chromed meat slicer flywheel, separate oil tank and a DellOrto carburetor. The period correct fishtail muffler emits a boisterous roar that evokes the period.
This time machine comes with a clean California title, ready to enjoy.
Price (before tax): $10,975
Make: Moto Guzzi
Year: 1951
Model: Airone
Inventory number: D335
MODEL HISTORY : Moto Guzzi 250 Airone
Moto Guzzi introduced its first horizontal single in 1919 and this signature design was featured on many different models well into the 1960’s. Originally introduced in 1939, only 997 were produced before WWII forced a shutdown. The Airone resumed production after WWll and was the most popular medium displacement motorcycle in Italy for over a decade. The limited production Sport version introduced in 1949 offered higher compression, a larger carburetor, more power and sportier kit with alloy rims and racier ergonomics. It remained in production through 1957 and many consider the 1956-57 models the best of the series.
A featured model of Moto Guzzi’s golden era (Guzzis won the 250cc World Championship twice between 1949-1952 and then took the 350cc title every year from 1953-1957), the Airone had much in common with the racing bikes and shared their performance image and reputation.
Popular as the Airone had come to be in the early 1950s, by the later part of the decade sales waned as the price was very high due to the complex design and level of finish, and competitive British, German and Italian models finally evolved to eclipse the lively performance. Ultimately the Airone was the final 250cc model produced by Moto Guzzi and was replaced by the far more conventional Lodola 175 in 1957.
Specifications:
1951 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone
247 cc OHV Single
9.5 HP
4 Speed, Chain Drive
Top Speed : 60 mph
Dimensions :
Wheelbase - 53.9 in
Fuel Capacity : 2.8 gal
Curb weight - 297 lb