Italian title

Frame no. 22050 Engine no. 91967

- The king of scooters

- Original design, halfway between scooter and motorbike

- Well-preserved old restoration

- No reserve

 

At a scooter rally in the 1950s, he who arrived on a Formichino ('ant') was king. With the raucous sound of its 125 cc two-stroke engine, the Rumi sported an alloy bodyshell frame housing the engine and a four-speed gearbox controlled by a foot-operated selector. It had oscillating rear suspension and its streamlined headlight gave this envied scooter the look of a small motorbike. In actual fact, it behaved like one, with excellent roadholding and responsive handling. Admittedly, the manufacturer's design office was headed up by engineer Salmaggi, reputed to have developed the Gilera Saturno.

 

Registered in Modena in 1960, the Formichino we are presenting has undoubtedly undergone an early restoration and looks as good as new, with its single carburettor engine, two saddles, lighting, and Veglia speedometer. The old Italian papers were voided in 1993, when it was returned to the collection. Once it's been serviced, it will be ready to roar back to life at scooter gatherings, or jaunts in the city or in the countryside.

Photos © G. Rizotto