Bianchi 350 Freccia Celeste & Tazio Nuvolari - 1929 - motorcycle racing photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of the magnificent
1929 Bianchi 348cc Freccia Celeste Bialbero (d.o.h.c.) factory racing machine
and
Tazio Nuvolari
, on their way to victory in the
1929
edition of the famous
Circuito del Lario roadrace
, a.k.a. the
Italian T.T.
Nuvolari also became overall winner, as he finished the race quicker then all of his 500cc competitors…!
Nuvolari’s machine, the
Bianchi 348
cc Freccia Celeste
, was
the most exotic racing machine that Bianchi build at the time
. It
was solely used for works riders.
It
featured
double overhead camshafts
, which was extremely modern at the time. The Freccia Celeste racing machine
was designed by
Albino Baldi
, Bianchi chief engineer and these Bianchis were the most successful Italian racing bikes for the next five years. During this time the bike was ridden by such riders as
Tazio Nuvolari, Amilcare Moretti, Mario Ghersi, Karl Kodric, Gino Zanchetta
and
Luigi Arcangeli
.
The 350 Freccia Celeste easily developed a power output of 23 hp at 5.000 r.p.m., which was enough to propel it swiftly to a speed of
87.5 mph
(140 km/hr).
Edoardo Bianchi
began building bicycles in 1885 under the name
F.I.V. Edoardo Bianchi S.p.A.
in the city of
Milan
in
Northern Italy
. Bianchi constructed a motorized bicycle, which was their first motorcycle, in 1897, and a car in 1900. He was the first one to mount air-filled tires on a motorcyle! In 1903 he fitted engines in the center of strengthened bicycle frames, and by 1905 also fitted Truffault leading link forks. In 1910 Bianchi built a 498 cc single that was very successful and established the Bianchi motorcycle name. In 1916 Bianchi produced a gorgeous 650 cc V-twin, which was enlarged to 741 cc in
1920. In
1921 a
smaller 598 cc V-twin, and a new 498 cc single with all chain drive were released. There was a 348 cc side valve single for 1923, and V-twins of 498 cc and 598 cc. In
1924 a
173 cc overhead valve single was added to the range. In
1925 a
348 cc ohv racing single was introduced, but the real gem of the prestigious Italian motorcycle manufacturer was without doubt the
348cc Freccia Celeste
, which is featured on the photo that the winner of this auction will receive.
In 1946 Edoardo died, and control of the firm passed to his son Giuseppe. In 1967 motorcycle production ceased. Bianchi also produced cars between 1900 and 1939. Today Bianchi still exists, making regular and racing bicycles that are still ridden to success in today’s bicycle races worldwide. They still carry the, for Bianchi so characteristic light blue-green color.
The photograph was taken during the
1929
edition of the famous
Circuito del Lario roadrace
. Th
is was an extremely heavy race which was organized between 1921 and 1939.
The circuit consisted of public roads which were closed during the race.
The Circuito del Lario was located between the two legs of the mountainous
Lake
Como
in
Northern Italy
.
Its nickname the “ Italian T.T.” was definitely deserved. The circuit was no less then
22.7 miles
(
36.5 km
) long and counted a mind blowing amount of 300 curves! Of those
300, a
total of 50 were hairpins since also the famous Ghisallo mountain pass is part of the track!
The height difference between the lowest and the highest point of the circuit is
1,805 feet
(
550 meters
).
To cover that difference, the riders and the bikes have to cross besides the mountainous hairpins, also the many longer and shorter curves combined with shorter and longer straights.
And all of that combined with a gruelingly poor road surface.
This non period photo reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycling and Bianchi history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.