Design 101 in little Italy
Festival of Italian Motorcycles
15 November, 2015 – Argyle Square, Carlton, Vic.
Connoisseurs of Melbourne’s two and three wheeled Italian machinery gathered at Carlton, Melbourne’s little Italy where 320 of that country’s finest productions were on display. These machines gave an impressive panorama of Italy’s motorcycling history, from two 1949 utilitarian tiddlers, to the present era’s superbikes; all of course, showing that unique flair for design that Italy is famous for.
Case in Point: Mick Woolley’s 65cc Moto Guzzi ‘Guzzino’, which won the award for the most original Moto Guzzi. The design of this 1949 machine incorporates a cantilever rear suspension. The cantilever members are stamped sheet steel, very light and rigid, cutting edge design on a budget! About 72,000 of these machines were built for the war stricken nation’s workers. Mick bought it off Gumtree about a year ago, the previous owner had spotted it hanging up in a farm shed, when buying a car. Being a native of the L’Aquila, he just had to have this machine; its AQ registration letters designate that region. Another machine that stood out for design interest was the Craig Bondini creation. This machine started life as the crankcases and head of a 1956 Moto Guzzi ‘Airone’ of 250cc. Craig Bondini, who sadly passed away recently, built nearly all of the remainder. The current owner is Keith Boyle who had known Craig for many years. At around 10.30am the crowd was bemused by the entry of Rob McHugh, the Moto Guzzi club’s public officer and M.C. for the day, on his ex L.A.P.D. Moto Guzzi Eldorado with siren blazing. He later awarded himself the best Moto Guzzi touring model award for this machine; he claimed no corruption was involved, the judges were independent, but said drawing attention to yourself was essential to success! The Moto Guzzi club has taken on most of the organizing duties for this event, they would like to thank the sponsors who are: David Traeger Wines, DAM Laverda, Teo Lamers Moto Guzzi, Thunderbikes Australia, John Sample Group, Bevel Rubber, Brad the Bike Boy, Maverik Motorcycle Tours, Urban Moto Imports, Mototecnic, Peter Stevens Motorcycles, Classic Italian Motorcycle Association of Australia, Shannons Insurance, Eurobrit Motorcycles.