- Outstanding engine

- Well prepared for competition

- Typical of the Italian racers of the 1950s

- No reserve

At the start of the 1950s, Alfonso Morini decided to enter the 175cc class, which was very popular at the time, especially with enthusiasts in local and national competitive events. The company offered three models sharing the same mechanical specification, with their names taken from a traditional Italian card game: Settebello, Briscola and Tresette. They all had a 175cc four-stroke single-cylinder overhead-valve engine, in a more or less sporty state of tune. The Tresette Sprint we are presenting had a higher compression ratio, a sportier carburettor and a set of points at the end of the camshaft. Its13bhp gave it an outstanding specific output of 74.2bhp per litre. In this instance, the lightweight bike has been prepared for competition, and convenience features such as a toolbox and lighting system removed to make way for a saddle with a contoured backrest, ventilated brakes and a fuel tank which doubtless comes from a Morini Settebello.

This carefully built, slender and elegant bike will delight a fan of historic demonstrations on track, who will enjoy its characterful engine and light and effective chassis.

Photos © G. Rizotto