Gilera mid-range cars with class

The similarity between Zelhem and Drempt? In both places there is a classic dealer who has a nice Gilera for sale. And Gilera? That was a brand that became legendary because of the four-cylinder racers. With those four-cylinders, the brand prevailed in the fifties. Until the official withdrawal from motorsport in 1957 (for economic reasons: racing is always expensive, but sometimes too expensive). But before that end, Gilera racked up one victory after another. In the half-liter class, the brand took the full win 6 times.

Racing and technology were in Gilera's genes. No wonder, because when Guiseppe Gilera founded his own company in Milan in 1909, he already had a certain reputation as a motorcycle racer. The racing department was financed, as is normal in that country, by the sale of civilian single-cylinder, 125 and 150 cc overhead valves. Production moved to Arcore where the range was expanded with a 500 cc single cylinder and a 600 cc twin. Subsequently, it turned out that every disadvantage has its advantages. Because in the First World War, the government became a major customer of Gilera motorcycles. Gilera became Italy's largest motorcycle manufacturer.

In the period between WWI and WWII, Gilera made 350 and 500 cc overhead and side valves in touring and sports versions, plus many 175 and 200 cc OHVs. During the Second World War, only war production was run, after which the normal production of motorcycles was restarted. Rear suspension started to become normal. Telescopic forks too. Between 1958-1968 Gilera went downhill financially. Renewing the range of models could not turn that tide. Two years before Guiseppe's death, the brand was sold to Piaggio. That was in 1969.

The Gileras in Drempt and Zelhem are not the smallest OHVs. And unfortunately for the providers no 500 cc Saturnos either. But they are beautiful examples of Italian, classic motorcycles. They were too big. Too fast and too expensive to score as the cheapest mass motorisation. But they were much cheaper than the Saturnos. With such a pleasantly conventional, nicely stylized 200 cc Gilera OHV, you made quite an impression on the bourgeoisie M / V in the days when a 200 cc machine was already medium heavy.

The advantage of these machines is that - just like the civilian models from MV - they carry the legendary name on the tank. But in fact they are well-arranged, well-behaved with a touch of temperament and technically pleasantly well-arranged.

The 200 Super from 1965 at Sander Buitink delivers 202 hp at 12 rpm from 6500 cc. The 150 Sport at Albert Venema is a 1953 model. And that beast produces about 10 horsepower. With those kind of speeds and with the slender looks you have to drive very defensively. But outside the Randstad there are still many roads where you can still feel young and dynamic on such a single-cylinder. But if you are satisfied with just a nice rumble, then you are also good with such a Gilera. Just note that these motorcycles date from the time when the average Italian measured 165 centimeters.

And if you weigh 200 pounds and are almost two meters tall from North Holland or Frisian, you can drive it for a joker. From my own experience I sometimes hear the happy cry of a former neighbor: "Look, there's Dollef on a motorized hemorrhoid!"

More stories about classic engines can be read via the previous link.