1958 Rumi Junior Corsa by Carrù 

The Story Behind the Machine

The name Rumi evokes a golden era of Italian motorcycle racing—a story of artistry, engineering, and passion. Founded in Bergamo in the early 20th century by Achille Rumi, the company began by manufacturing cast components for the textile industry . During World War II, it produced miniature submarines and torpedoes for the Italian Navy . In the post-war years, under the leadership of Donnino Rumi—an artist and sculptor by nature—the company pivoted to building lightweight motorcycles and scooters that would help get Italy moving again .

The heart of every Rumi was a remarkably innovative 125cc parallel-twin two-stroke engine, mounted horizontally with both cylinders facing forward . This "flat-twin" configuration, with the crankcase and transmission serving as stressed members of the frame, was decades ahead of its time and has since become a staple of modern motorcycle design . By 1955, the Competizione had given way to the Junior Corsa, a pure racing machine that would become legendary. Only approximately 300 Junior Corsas were produced between 1955 and 1959, making them exceptionally rare and collectible today . The Junior won the famous Bol d'Or 24-hour race at Montlhéry, France, in 1957, 1958, and 1960, outperforming 250cc machines .

The Bike: A Carrù Masterpiece

This is not merely a Rumi Junior Corsa. This is a Carrù.

Giuseppe Carrù was a legendary Turin-based tuner and frame builder whose name is revered among racing enthusiasts of the 1950s and 1960s. He specialized in building and tuning racing bikes, particularly Mi-Val, Mondial, and Rumi. His motorbikes earned rider Emilio Ostorero no fewer than two Italian titles. Private Rumi riders relied on his expert skills, particularly to modify the Rumi's flawed "steered wheel" rear suspension—a system that prevented the rear suspension from functioning effectively. Carrù converted this to a proper swingarm, allowing the rear shock absorbers to work effectively and dramatically improving handling [citation:your deion].

Key Features:

• Hand-built rigid frame by Giuseppe Carrù

• Earles parallelogram front fork—the iconic leading-link design 

• Horizontal 125cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine

• 4-speed transmission

• Electronic ignition with kill switch

• Two Dell'Orto UB carburetors

• Cast-iron cylinders

• Small flywheel for rapid revving

• Twin megaphone exhausts for that legendary Rumi rasp

• Large 19-liter aluminium fuel tank with quick-release cap

• 18" Borrani Record rims (tyres need replacing)

• Custom-built for Squadra ItalPiana—initially for Formula Junior, later modified for endurance racing

The Provenance: Italo Piana

This motorcycle was built for Italo Piana, a living legend among Italian MotoGP fans. Born in Torino in 1930, Piana raced from 1950 to 1970 and was a factory pilot for Rumi, Parilla, Laverda, and Ducati. He won the Italian Motorcycle Championship three times and was part of a team that set 46 world speed records at the Monza oval with a Ducati 100cc Gran Sport in 1956. Today, at 96 years old, Piana is still active in his workshop almost daily with his son [citation:your deion].

Race results and photos come with this famous bike.

The Opportunity: This is not a standard Junior Corsa. It is a Carrù-built works machine with documented provenance to Italo Piana—a living legend. The combination of the Carrù frame, Earles fork, and direct competition history elevates this motorcycle far beyond a standard restoration project. This is a piece of Italian racing history, a bike that competed in the golden era of the Motogiro d'Italia and endurance racing. Restored examples of standard Junior Corsas command strong prices; a documented Carrù works bike with Piana provenance is in a different league entirely.

Known Issues 

Complete transparency regarding this motorcycle's condition:

• Complete transparency regarding this motorcycle's condition:

  • Tyres need to be replaced (18" Borrani Record rims are intact)
  • Original, unrestored racing condition
  • Engine should be treated as requiring overhaul
  • Earles front fork should be inspected and rebuilt if necessary
  • Carbs are ultrasonic cleaned and fitted with new jets. Adjustment is required. 
  • Original racing patina preserved—sympathetic restoration recommended

What's Included

• Motorcycle as pictured

• Hand-built Carrù frame

• Earles parallelogram front fork

• 125cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine

• Two Dell'Orto UB carburetors

• Twin megaphone exhausts

• 19-litre aluminium fuel tank with quick-release cap

• 18" Borrani Record rims

• Electronic ignition with kill switch

• Race results and photos from Italo Piana's competition history

• Provenance to Italo Piana

Auction Details

Starting Bid: 15/07/2016 10:00
Auction End Date: 02/08/2026 16:00
Inspection Date: by Appointment
Location: Belgium, Bree

Why Bid?

This is more than a motorcycle—it is a piece of Italian racing history. A Carrù-built Rumi Junior Corsa, raced by Italo Piana, documented with race results and photographs. This is the kind of motorcycle that belongs in a museum or a world-class collection. The combination of the Carrù frame, Earles fork, and the legendary Rumi horizontal twin is irresistible to any collector of Italian racing motorcycles.

The simple math: Purchase below market value + sympathetic restoration = a documented piece of racing history with provenance to a living legend. This is a low-entry opportunity to acquire one of the most significant small-displacement racing motorcycles of the 1950s.

"Sold as-is, where-is. Good luck and happy bidding!"