Ferrari Motorcycles
As the story goes, in 1953 it was rumored that Ferrari would unveil a motorcycle at the Motosalone di Milano. It was a 125cc single-cylinder two stroke with a two speed gearbox. Naturally what was on display was painted bright Italian racing red and sported a genuine Ferrari logo, probably for about the duration of the show. Just long enough to get some orders from the more gullible enthusiasts. Unfortunately what they were ordering wasn't a product of Enzo Ferrari, but Fratelli Ferrari instead. They were just two brothers who happened to share the popular Italian surname. Meanwhile the real Ferrari (Enzo) was not at all pleased.
The bike itself lacked any remarkable performance and simply sported an engine that was more or less a direct copy of a Parilla 125/250cc. Apparently one of the brothers had worked in the Parilla factory for a while.
I only hope that the Ferrari motorcycle seen at the All-Italian Concours didn't win a prize because people mistook it for the Ferrari of sportscar fame....but, on the other hand, a genuine "Fratelli Ferrari" is not only rare, but has a unique story behind it.
Writen by Noel Leavitt
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