Moto Guzzi 1939 Condor 498cc 1cyl OHV 3311

Moto Guzzi 1939 498 cc OHV “Condor” production racer frame # 23281 engine # C107
Carlo Guzzi’s first prototype motorcycle of 1919 was unconventional in so far as its single-cylinder engine was installed horizontally and by the end of the 1930s the ‘flat single’ had established itself as a Guzzi hallmark. Guzzi knew the importance of racing as a means of publicising, however it would take several years before the firm offered versions of its works racers for sale to the public.
First seen in 1939, the Condor model was Guzzi’s first successful purpose-built production racer and would be revamped after WW2 as the legendary Dondolino. The Condor had an aluminium cylinder barrel and head, magnesium crankcases, engine covers and hubs/brakes, and 21″ alloy-rimmed wheels. The cycle parts of the Condor were similar to those of the works team’s supercharged 250 Grand Prix racer. For the 1939 Circuito del Lario race the improved Condor was entered in the competition class against established Grand Prix racers, including Dorino Serafini on the compressor Gilera four. Ridden by future World Champion, Nello Pagani, the works Condor ran out the winner despite having less than half the total horsepower of the Gilera, an astonishing victory that emphatically demonstrated the Condor’s potential. In total, 69 Condors were built prior to the cessation of production in 1940; because of this very limited production the Condor is much sought-after by collectors. Maximum power delivered is 28 hp @5,000 rpm, top speed 160 km, weight 130 kg.

This Condor has been used in classic races in Germany and comes with a list of restoration expenses that amount to almost 5,000 Euros. Unfortunatley the original fuel tank could not be saved and was replaced by a polyesther replica. She comes with a VFV Fahrzeugpass and both megaphone and straight pipe exhaust.

Indeed a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic pre-war Moto-Guzzi production racer that is eager to be ridden again.