1954 Moto Guzzi Cardellino 65 (D282)
This clever solution to basic transportation financed Moto Guzzi’s postwar growth and became an iconic legend. The Guzzino, precursor to the Cardellino, was introduced in 1946 as the Motoleggera, a simple solution to the need for cheap transport in postwar Italy. It proved remarkably successful and continued in production until 1962 with minor updates. In 1954 the Guzzino received a new official name, Cardellino.
This example was found in a collection by our team in Italy in very original condition. It had been reconditioned and refreshed then ridden only on occasion. It runs great and shows very well. This 1954 model features a girder style front fork, hand shift 3 speed gearbox and solo seat with passenger pad on the rear rack. Paintwork is in a beautiful Italian red with accent pinstripes and Moto Guzzi decals. Wheel rims show a nice chrome finish. The 65cc 2 stroke engine has been rebuilt and the cases polished. Handlebar and controls are in very good condition. The solo seat is new and quite comfortable, the small pillion serves in a pinch. A handy rack is built onto the fuel tank. A rear brake lamp and switch have been fitted for safety. A useful tire pump fits onto the frame downtube.
As a later model this Cardelliono offers updated switches and various detail improvements to the series. Starting is straightforward and performance is quite lively with a top speed around 30 mph. The Cardellino is a lot more machine than the typical moped, very enjoyable to ride and performs like a true motorcycle.
Stunning design and purity of line mark this as a period icon, with a timeless appeal that resulted in the model remaining in production over 16 years. A very nice example of a classic lightweight bike with a lot of history.
This machine has a clean California title, ready to ride and show.
MODEL HISTORY : Moto Guzzi Cardellino 65
Postwar Italy was in tatters and there was a pressing need for basic transportation. Enrico Prodi of Moto Guzzi saw this as a great opportunity and launched the Motorleggra 65 in 1946. The “Guzzino”, as the charming little motorbike became known, was incredibly successful and provided the capital for the extensive post war racing program.
It was simple, being basically a bicycle frame with a pressed steel swing arm attached at the rear and controlled by two springs, pressed steel girder forks, all rolling along on 26 inch wheels, and inexpensive. It was the best selling motorbike in Europe for over ten years. The engine was a masterpiece, being a two stroke rotary valve unit, mated to a three speed gearbox that would allow it to do 30 mph uphill despite a modest 2hp. As with most Italian bikes some examples were tuned and raced, the factory assisting with after-market kits.
Weighing just 45 kg, it was a great success, both on the market and on the racetrack. Among the riders who raced with the little Moto Guzzi bike was a young Umberto Masetti, who took it to victory in Reggio Emilia in 1947. The lightweight bike, which was gradually enhanced with innovative additions over the years, was immediately nicknamed the “Guzzino”. Over 70,000 were built from 1946 thru 1954, when the model was updated as the Cardellino and production continued with various upgrades thru 1962. It is truly an iconic piece of Italian motorcycling history.
Specifications:
1954 Moto Guzzi Cardellino 65
65.7 cc 2 stroke Single
2 HP
3 Speed, Hand Shift, Chain Drive
Top Speed : 30 mph
Dimensions :
Wheelbase - 46.7 in
Fuel Capacity : 1.7 gal
Curb weight - 110 lb