1954 CECCATO CORSA 75 RACER
Frame no.: -/-
Engine no.: *0154*
Engine: Single cylinder 4-stroke OHV
Bore & stroke: 45 x 47 mm
Maximum power: 74.75cc
Engine Capacity: 7 bhp [HP] @ 10,500 rpm
Valve: Overhead camshaft controlled by cascade of gears, valves arranged symmetrically with included angle of 90 ° and recalled by needle springs (OHV)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Distribution: A.A.A.42° - R.C.A. 65° - A.A.S. 58° - R.C.S. 36°
Carburettor: Dell O’rto UA 18 BS3
Cooling system: Air cooled
Ignition type: Battery / coil ignition
Lubrication: Forced with oil in the finned cup and coaxial gear pump to the ignition generator
Transmission: Gear primary, chain final
Clutch: Cable operated with multiple wet disk
Gearbox: 4 speed foot-change
Throttle: Cable operated
Frame type: Double tubular cradle frame
Suspension: Telescopic front fork with hydraulic damping
Rear Suspension: Dual Hydraulic shock absorbers
Front Brake: Light alloy drum brakes Ø 120 mm
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Tyre: 2.375 x 20 Inches
Rear Tyre: 2.375 x 20 Inches
Wheelbase: 1,200 mm
Seat: Tail-prolonged upholstered race seat
Top speed: Around 140 km/h (86.99 mph)
Weight: 70 Kg
Few motorcycle enthusiasts outside its native Italy are likely to have heard of Ceccato, though its stylish and well-made products are unmistakably Italian. The company was founded by Pietro Ceccato, born in 1905 in Montecchio Maggiore near Vicenza in northern Italy. He was interested in electronics and mechanics in general, motorcycling and road racing in particular. He started racing on a Moto Vicentini, a company later taken over by Gillet-Herstal. With a 350 Velocette, he attracted more attention and Rudge offered him a 500cc racer to use. That resulted in the Italian championship in 1933. In 1934, Pietro Ceccato quit the racing scene. He sold his house for cash to start production of office materials. The revenue allowed him to purchase a building area in the Alte district of Montecchio Maggiore and start a factory for quality products.
Immediately after the WW-II, he started making air compressors, car lifts and other garage equipment. During the La Construzione period, the Italians were badly in need of cheap means of transportation. Together with Hence Pietro, Pietro Ceccato decided to make motorcycles and started with the Romeo, a sporty sparkling red motorized bicycle, with a 38cc 2-stroke roller engine above the rear wheel, followed by a 48cc engine version in 1948. In 1951, a 49cc 2-stroke moped was introduced as well as a 75cc 2-stroke motorcycle. Soon after they also produced a 100, 125, and later on a 175cc version. All models were tested at Ceccato's own testing track and the first models were mostly sold to their own workers.
At the start of 1953, a 200cc horizontal 2-stroke twin was introduced. This engine looked almost identical to the Motobi Catria. Which one was first remains a question. The factory 's surface area was enlarged and the number of personnel would rise to 700. Since Pietro was such a large local employer and his personnel management was very social, the town district's name Alte was popularly called ‘Alte Ceccato’, which later became the official name.
Pietro's passion for racing saw the entry of four Ceccato's in the Milan-Taranto and Motogiro d'Italia long distance races of 1953. Two 75cc a