Aermacchi grew out of Aeronautica Macchi of Varese, Italy, a light-aircraft maker that turned to motorcycles after the Second World War. Its first two-wheeler, the 125 N Cigno, was designed by Lino Tonti, one of the top Italian motorcycle engineers of the post-war period. Built in the early 1950s (production is usually given as 1951-1953), it combined a scooter-style open frame and large wheels with a 123cc two-stroke engine, and it could be made to look more like a motorcycle by mounting a fuel-tank-shaped top case horizontally in front of the seat. Its successor was the 125 U Ghibli.

This 1954 example is described by the seller as a prototype built on the Ghibli. Demand for motorcycles was high and Tonti was asked to develop a new model, so the proven Cigno engine (125cc two-stroke, three-speed) went into a Ghibli-based machine with a horizontal fuel tank between the handlebars and the seat, the former under-seat tank converted into a storage compartment, a twin seat, a modified front fork, the comfortable footrests of the 125 U and a Velox foot-operated gear change. The seller sees it as the "missing link" between the Ghibli and the Monsone 125 M, Aermacchi's first "real" motorcycle. We have not independently verified the prototype claim and no factory documents come with the bike, so treat it as the seller's account. Frame number 12515893, engine number 12505464.

Condition

The seller describes the motorcycle as being in almost perfect condition but needing some fine-tuning, and notes that the engine is loose - without saying what that means, so it is worth asking before you bid. The photos show a very well presented bike: bright light-blue paintwork, a blue-and-black tank with the Aermacchi badge, a clean twin seat, bright chrome on the exhaust and footboards, a polished engine cover and wire wheels with good-looking tyres, and no obvious damage or corrosion. The listing details show 2,434 km. Whether the paint is original or restored, and whether the engine currently runs, is not stated. Matching numbers are not claimed for this example.

Market Comparison

A prototype has no real market comparison, and without documents its story cannot be checked. The closest reference points are production bikes of the same family: at Aste Bolaffi in Italy, an unregistered Cigno 125 N (1952-1953) sold for EUR 2,000 and a Ghibli U (1953-1955) for EUR 1,500 in April 2021, and a 1953 Cigno made EUR 1,600 in March 2022. The starting bid of EUR 1,500 opens in that same range; whether the prototype story and the presentation justify more is for each bidder to judge.

Known Issues / Transparency

We want to be upfront about what is and isn't confirmed:

• Prototype status: based on the seller's deion only - no factory documentation is supplied.

• Documents: none; the seller states there are no papers, so road registration is not straightforward - check what your country requires before bidding.

• Running condition: not stated - the seller mentions that the bike needs some fine-tuning and that the engine is loose.

• Mileage: 2,434 km as entered in the listing details, not verified.

• Matching numbers are not claimed for this example.

• Beyond the seller's deion and the photos, no technical inspection report is provided - a pre-purchase inspection is recommended, as with any purchase of this kind.

What Is Included?

• The motorcycle as described and pictured

• No papers or documents - the seller states there are none

Why This Is a Smart Opportunity

A rare chance to own what the seller describes as a link in Aermacchi's early history: a Ghibli-based prototype from the company that went from aircraft to motorcycles, very well presented and starting at the price of an ordinary production example. If the story holds up, it is a talking point for any collection of early Italian lightweights; if it does not, it is still a good-looking, Cigno-engined machine. Ask the seller about the engine and the paperwork before you bid.

This motorcycle is sold in the condition it is in, without any warranty. Good luck with your bidding.