COTA 172

In the April 1974 Jim Sandiford was informed of a new model to be named the Cota 172. The new machine featured full size 2.75 x 21 and 400 x 18 wheels and tyres and an increase in the engine size to 157.5cc, which was achieved using the American market ‘Commando’ trail model cylinder barrel which had a bore and stroke of 60.93mm x 54mm. Apart from these obvious changes the machine looked pretty much the same as the Cota 123. John Hemingway was sent over to Spain to test this new model, and was very impressed with the extra power available and the incorporation of the larger size wheels. He rode the same machine in the ‘Scottish’ rewarding Montesa with the Best 151cc–200cc Cup, coming home in 16th position. Further success was to come at the Scott Trial, with Hemingway 8th and Hutchinson 20th.

After a productive year testing in 1974, the new Cota 172 was introduced to the buying public at the Paris Motor Show in the latter part of the year. From 1975 onwards the Cota 172 remained pretty much the same and ran alongside the Cota 123 in the model range. Despite a loss of sales due to riders moving to the more powerful over-300cc machines, the factory and Jim Sandiford continued to support both John Hemingway and Brian Hutchinson.

Over the next two seasons they would continue to keep the Montesa flag in the results on the Cota 172 with Hemingway taking a further two ‘Best 151cc–200cc Cup’ wins at the SSDT. As the end of 1976 approached Sandiford and the factory were not selling enough of the small engined machines and ended their support for both the riders.