FOR SALE A sixteener special and collectable UK Gilera T50 Touring Moped. 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’. The historic Gilera marque was founded in 1909 near Monza in Italy by Count Guiseppe Gilera. In the 1950’s, Gilera had huge success and won multiple 500cc world championships as well as several TT wins. Gilera Touring and Trials sports mopeds were imported to the UK from mid-1972 and were built with an air of quality, and the general attention to detail and finish was considered to be first class. EQUIPMENT Double cradle tubular frame, front suspension double acting Ceriani hydraulic forks, rear suspension with swinging arm and hydraulic shock absorbers, 1.5 imp. Gallon fuel tank, light alloy wheel hubs, INOX stainless steel front and rear mudguards, chrome exhaust, Veglia Borletti speedometer, headlight with lights-on indicator, rear lamp, electromagnetic horn, engine cut-out button, fuel valve, rear foot pegs, Gilera embossed dual seat with pillion strap. EXTERIOR A UK registered bike from new, this tremendous UK Gilera T50 Touring Moped embodies the funky 1970’s Sports Moped phenomenon. The double tubular steel frame is sturdy and the fuel tank boasts an eye catching deep red shine and with immaculate Gilera decals. There are two very faint scratches to the tank. Matching bright red side panels look superb and wear ’50 Touring’ model designation decals. Bright chrome work and polished stainless steel set this example amongst a rare surviving group. The original dual seat with pillion strap and Gilera embossed logo is in amazing condition. An iconic machine and ready to transport you back to your youth. ENGINE & TRANSMISSION The single cylinder two-stroke 49cc air cooled engine produces 4.2 bhp at 5500rpm with a quoted top speed of 40mph. The engine casings and components are beautifully clean with the engine number stamping clearly visible. The correct Dell’Orto carburettor remains fitted with manual pull-up and twist choke. The Silenziatori Lafranconi exhaust remains fitted with the logo crystal clear and a mirror chrome finish. A four speed foot change transmission with chain drive is standard fitment. WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES The chrome rim and spoked wheels are in immaculate condition and are fitted with correct size 2.50-17 front and 2.75-17 rear tyres. Drum brakes front and rear provide adequate braking of this sports moped. HISTORY FILE This fantastic Gilera T50 Touring Moped was UK registered from new with a registration date of the 20th July 1977. Incredibly it has only had four former keepers with the previous owner having purchased it in 2020. Displayed in his garage showroom amongst an impressive collection of Yamaha ‘Fizzy’s’, Gilera’s, Garelli’s and classic cars. An original handbook and Gilera 50cc range brochure are included in the history file. This collectors bike has only now been made available by the downsizing of the owners collection. HPI Clear.