1954 Other Makes Saturno

2.611.622

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Gilera Saturno Corsa Replica This is an extremely rare 1954 Gilera Saturno in Corsa trim. The history of this bike is not well known so I am calling it a replica to be safe. The genuine Corsa’s would have an alloy cylinder barrel and 35mm remote float carb. This bike has an iron cylinder and a 30mm side float carb. I’ve also found that the smaller carb’d models are listed with 28mm carbs so this falls somewhere in between. It’s possible that this bike is actually a Sport model in the Corsa trim or it could be an actual Corsa that was refitted with an iron barrel and smaller carb being more easily sourced. In the day, the Saturno was one of the most dominant forces in 500GP racing. Right up until the late 50’s when Gilera came out with their 4 cylinder 500, the Saturno was the bike to beat. Saturnos also had good success in European motocross as well as being very reliable transportation. This example is one of 464 built in 1954. Total production was 6026 spanning from 1942 to 1958. The frame and engine numbers match. We were told that the engine had been gone through for the previous owner but I have no records on this. We’ve had the bike for several years in a static display. I’ve never gotten the bike running but it feels like it has very good compression. The biggest issue I have noted with the bike is I can only select neutral and one gear. I suspect it is a gear shifting adjustment but have not investigated since finding this out. It is nearly complete otherwise needing a few things like a tachometer and cable. A vintage style flyscreen/numberplate would add a lot to the finished vision. The wheel rims have been replaced with modern profile alloys in an 18” diameter. The correct rim size is 19” in either chrome steel for the Sport and Police/military versions, 18” and 21” for the Cross or 19” shouldered alloy, probably in Borrani or San Remo brands for the Corsa. It has also had some machined alloy footpegs fitted which look nice but certainly are not original. The bike appears to have been the beginnings of a vintage road racer rather than a restoration. Fine print, We have no title but will provide a dated California Bill of Sale. We will assist in any way we can with crating and/or shipping. Cost to be negotiated. We will require a $500 deposit within 24 hours of the auction close, preferable via PayPal or contact and request for other terms. Balance can be paid either by cash, check or bank transfer. The bike will be released once all parties are assured the funds have cleared. The bike is viewable in San Carlos, California. We’re about 20 minutes south of SFO. If you have any questions please contact me and I will do my best to answer them. It can be difficult to place a value on bikes like this and I don’t wish to reveal the reserve so please don’t ask. If the bike fails to meet reserve I will probably contact the high bidders for second chances so keep on bidding.