FOR SALE A Sports Enduro UK Fantic TX 182 Caballero 6-speed Moped in fabulous condition. MODEL HISTORY On the 15th December 1971 the Tory Transport Minister, John Peyton, changed British two-wheeler licensing regulations and the infamous ‘sixteener law’ forced all 16-year old motorcyclists onto mopeds. The law was intended to force novice bikers onto 50cc shopping bikes and reduce accident statistics but demand remained and manufacturers produced more powerful models. Equipped with pedals, added as a token gesture to comply with the law, the sports moped arrived dubbed ‘sixteener specials’. One such importer was Fantic Motor created in Barzago near Milan by Henry Keppel and Mario Agrati circa 1968. The aim was to produce fun bikes for the USA market, they produced a successful range of mini bikes, including trikes and choppers before they set about building their first motorcycle in 1971. The Fantic Caballero 50cc and 100cc were the first bikes produced by the firm, indeed one of the first enduro mopeds and regarded as probably the best. It was faster than just about all other sports mopeds on the road with a noisy and distinctive hammering sound, although was also considered smooth, comfortable, and stable. EQUIPMENT Double loop steel tube frame, 1.7 imp. Gallon fuel tank, alloy wheel hubs, dual beam headlamp with ‘lights-on’ indicator, rear lamp, stainless steel front and rear mudguards, rear foot pegs, front Fantic hydraulic and rear adjustable dampers, rubber front mudguard upper and lower extenders, Fantic flat exhaust with chrome lightweight heatshield, Domino clutch and front brake levers, CEV control switch and speedometer, handlebar mounted choke lever, electromagnetic horn, engine cut-out button, fuel valve, Fantic motor embossed seat, tank pack with running-in/maintenance instructions. EXTERIOR A UK registered bike from new, this desirable 1975 Fantic Caballero is a splendid example of what was regarded as probably the best Sports Enduro mopeds available at the time. The tubular steel frame has is in excellent condition with frame number and model designation numbers clearly visible. The fuel tank boasts a deep polished shine and with perfect Italian flag colours decals and side badge, and the genuine tank pack with running in/maintenance instructions is a lovely period feature, most having been lost! The front hydraulic dampers are in fantastic condition with the Fantic logo perfectly engraved. The original dual seat with pillion strap and Fantic Motor embossed logo is amazingly well preserved. The A marvellous looking machine throughout with an abundance of genuine parts and fittings. ENGINE & TRANSMISSION The Fantic motor Minarelli two-stroke 49cc air cooled engine is quoted to produce 6.8 bhp @8000rpm and capable of speeds up to 55mph! The engine casings and components are beautifully detailed and the Fantic’s prancing pony design, cheekily echoing Ferrari’s famous logo is clear and proud and the original Dell’Orto carburettor remains fitted as does the engine number plate. The genuine Silenziatori Lafranconi exhaust with Fantic stampings shows some light pitting and the chrome guard is perfect. This unrestricted bike is fully operational and rides well with the preferred 6-speed foot change transmission allowing much better top-end cruising. WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES The chrome rim and spoked wheels are in immaculate condition and the ultra-nobbly 2.75-19 front and 3.00-17 rear tyres show masses of tread. Drum brakes front and rear provide adequate braking of this sporty Enduro Moped. HISTORY FILE This fantastic moped was UK registered from new with a registration date of the 25th November 1975. DVLA records in the history file trace the previous owners, the first of whom was a Mr Joseph Boyce in Beckenham. Approximately 10 years ago, the bike was restored by a previous owner, John Clark, a Fantic afficionado whose work is exceptional. The previous owner purchased the bike in 2020 whereby is has been displayed in his garage showroom amongst an impressive collection of Yamaha ‘Fizzy’s’, Gilera’s, Garelli’s and classic cars. This impeccable collector’s bike has only now been made available by the downsizing of the owner’s collection. HPI Clear.