Moto Guzzi 250 Gambalunghino & Billington - Isle of Man TT 1951 - motorcycle

Description

A superb and rare photo, made from what we believe is the original negative, of
H.W. Billington
seen in action with his
250cc Moto Guzzi Gambalunghino works racer
during the
1951
250cc Isle of Man T.T.
which was ridden on
June 9, 1951
. He would finish the race in 13TH position!
Billington is seen on the photo riding Guzzi’s famous
250cc Gambalunghino
factory racing single, a similar machine with which
Enrico
Lorenzetti
would clinch in 1952
the 250cc World Championship. The Gambalunghino was Guzzi’s 250cc factory racer between 1949 and 1952, during which it claimed 2 world titles in the 250cc class. The bore and stroke were the characteristic Guzzi 250 measurements of 68 x
68 mm
. The 246.8cc engine delivered a power output of 20 hp at 7,000 rpm. Its top speed was approx.
90 mph
.
Moto
Guzzi
, also known as Guzzi, is the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production. Established in
1921 in
Mandello del Lario
,
Italy
,
Moto
Guzzi
has led
Italy
's motorcycling manufacture, enjoyed prominence in worldwide motorcycle racing, and led the industry in ground-breaking innovation – for the greater part of its history. The company's history has been shaped by the importance of racing, engineering innovation and a constant adaptation to the changes in the motorcycle industry since its inception 1921.
Moto
Guzzi
was conceived by two aircraft pilots and their mechanic serving in the
Corpo
Aeronautico
Militare
(the Italian Air Corp,
CAM
) during World War I:
Carlo
Guzzi
,
Giovanni
Ravelli
and
Giorgi
Parodi
. By happenstance assigned to the same Miraglia Squadron based outside
Venice
, the three became close, despite starkly different socio-economic backgrounds. The trio envisioned creating a motorcycle company after the war. Guzzi would engineer the motor bikes, Parodi (scion of wealthy Genovese ship-owners) would finance the venture, and Ravelli (already a famous pilot and motocycle racer) would promote the bikes with his racing prowess. Guzzi and Parodi (along with Parodi's brother) formed
Moto
Guzzi
in 1921. Ravelli, ironically, had died just days after the war's end in an aircraft crash and is commemorated by the eagle's wings that form the
Moto
Guzzi
logo.
Carlo
Guzzi
and
Giorgio
Parodi
, along with Giorgio's brother
Angelo
, created a privately held silent partnership "
Società
Anonima
Moto
Guzzi
" on 15 March 1921, for the purpose of (according to the original articles of incorporation) "the manufacture and the sale of motor cycles and any other activity in relation to or connected to metallurgical and mechanical industry". The formation of the company hinged on an initial loan of two thousand Lira from the Parodis' father, Emanuele Vittorio, which he gave on 3 January 1919, offering the balance of the loan upon his review of the project's progress: Dear Giorgio, you can let both your partners know that I will offer you for your first 1,500 or 2,000 Lire. Although with the condition that the sum, under no circumstances, shall be increased. Likewise, I reserve the right to supervise your progress before giving my agreement to this project. The company was legally based in
Genoa
,
Italy
, with its headquarters in Mandello. The very earliest motorcycle bore the name
G.P.
(Guzzi-Parodi), though when it started the marque had changed its name to
Moto
Guzzi
. As the only actual shareholders, the Parodi's wanted to shield their shipping fortunes by avoiding confusion of name
G.P.
with
Giorgio
Parodi
's initials. Carlo Guzzi initially received royalties for each motorcycle produced, holding no ownership in the company that bore his name.
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of 1950s motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.