1955 RUMI Formichino (D322)

Exceptional example of advanced design and engineering from Rumi of Italy. Features a very comprehensive restoration with attention to the original factory details. Shows beautifully and offers exciting performance and a unique riding experience. This superb 1955 Rumi Formichino is virtually as new, featuring the same 125cc flat twin two-stroke motor producing 6.5 HP with an integral 4-speed gearbox that made the company famous. It’s a fast scooter with far better handling than its rivals Vespa and Lambretta due to its robust 3-part alloy monocoque chassis. Arguably the best-looking Italian scooter of the era and certainly among the most collectible scooters ever made.

'Moto Rumi's Formichino scooter is perhaps the one motor scooter respected by motorcyclists – probably because it can melt the paint off many 250cc motorcycles of the era with its amazing horizontal two-cylinder two-stroke 125cc engine.' – Dregni & Dregni, Illustrated Motor Scooter Buyer's Guide.

1955 RUMI Formichino

#D322

VIN 24402 / Engine R1250100

Price On Request

MODEL HISTORY

Fonderie Officine Rumi (F.O.R.) was founded in 1906 in Bergamo, Italy by Achille Rumi. They originally supplied cast components for textile machinery. During the Second World War, Rumi engaged in a totally different role - as a constructor of midget two-man submarines, propellers, and periscopes, elements represented in their branding badge. Achille’s son, Donnino was a classically trained artist with a passion for painting, drawing and sculpture. He took over the family business in the 1920s, and worked there full-time until the company shut down in 1962. At the end of WW2, under Donnino’s direction, production was switched to manufacturing motorcycles and the company relaunched as Moto Rumi.

Rumi’s most innovative scooter model, the Formichino, or “little ant” came out in 1954. It is a beautiful sculptural piece. Most European scooters of the period are made of steel stampings. With Rumi’s industrial expertise in aluminum casting, the parallel twin engine is a stressed member of a cast aluminum monocoque body made in three main pieces. Styling is very avant garde and “1950’s Space Age”. The Formichino’s attractive aluminum engine cases were proudly on display between the rider’s feet. Beauty aside, the lightweight material also gave a decided performance advantage over the conventional steel-framed Vespas and Lambrettas on Italy’s roads. Both functional and fast, in 1957, 1958, and1960 Rumi won the famous Bol d’Or 24-hour races at Montlhery in France, and subsequently Rumi produced the Bol d’Or scooter named after the race. Moto Rumi ceased motorcycle production in 1960, and closed the foundry in 1962.

Make: RUMI

Year: 1955

Displacement: 125 cc

Inventory number: D322

SPECIFICATIONS

TYPE : air cooled, 2 Stroke Parallel Twin

DISPLACEMENT : 125 cc

HORSEPOWER : 6.5 HP @ 6,000 RPM

FUEL SYSTEM : Dell'Orto Downdraft carburetor

GEARBOX : 4-speed, manual

TOP SPEED: 47 MPH

Contacts

CHASSIS SPECS

FRAME : Cast Alloy

FRONT SUSPENSION : leading link

REAR SUSPENSION : single side swing arm

FRONT BRAKE : drum

REAR BRAKE : drum

TIRES: 3.50 x 10

WEIGHT : 220 lbs