Although few names in the world of vintage sports cars resonate as loudly as Maserati, even the most ardent automotive enthusiasts remain unfamiliar with the company’s brief foray into the world of motorcycle production. These motorcycles were actually designed by Italmoto – a small motorcycle manufacturer based in Bologna, Italy. After purchasing Italmoto in 1953, Maserati simply rebadged their bikes with the company name.
This isn’t to say, however, that these bikes weren’t worthy of the Maserati name. Take, for example, the exquisite 1955 Maserati 125 Tipo T2 that will hit the auction block at Paris’ Artcurial on November 4, 2018. Fully restored in 2012, this is a beautiful example of one of the rarest collectible vintage bikes in the world.
A favorite of drivers in classic European races such as the “Milano-Tarento,” the Maserati 125 Tipo T2 features a DKW-derived, two-stroke, single-cylinder 125cc engine. Paired with carburetor that is 24 millimeters in diameter, this small engine can propel the motorcycle to speeds of 100 kilometers per hour.