1958 YEAR OF TRANSITION
For the Parilla Company, commercially, this is a year of transition. Looking at the models in the list, the 175cc. 4-stroke was going well on sales, continuously updated and flanked by the new commercial version of the "Motocross" model. Good sales also for the 125cc. 2-stroke 1957, flanked by the "Turismo Veloce (Fast Touring)".
125cc FOUR STROKE
In springtime, it was ready for the NEW 125cc. 4-STROKE which was named "Lusso Veloce (Fast Deluxe)" and "Touring". After the testing, the press reported great impressions. The motorcycle was very silent, easy starting, with good shock absorbers, good speed and beautiful to see, as a Parilla motorcycle should be. The enthusiasts soon became aware of the qualities such as the mechanical assembly, clean appearance and balanced price.
125cc. 4-stroke Lusso Veloce, 1958
THE SLUGHI
The engineer Cesare Bossaglia, just arrived in Parilla Company, thought, with a remarkable and creative idea, to follow the new car's technology, which, for the most economic models, gave up to the chassi, hanging up the engine to the car's body. It was a brain new project, and it was not possible to make use of one of the existing engines or existing motorcycle's components. It was a high wheels motorcycle, very innovative in appearance, with a luggage rack as in a car, and with two fairings to keep the rider's trousers clean. The horizontal engine was designed to leave free space to the upper body and to keep the weight as low as possible at the same time. The engine was a 100cc. 4-stroke to ensure limited fuel consumption. The body was made up of two sheet metal shells, forged and welded together, supporting the engine, hanging on the lowest part of the body. Just over the engine, very low, there was the petrol tank and, over the tank, a wide luggage rack, starting from the steering column till the end of the saddle.
The motorcycle's rear swingarm was connected with the crankcase's casting, and the rear suspension, without shock absorbers, was obtained through elastic pads with rubber and steel. The motorcycle's performances were good; the top speed of Km/h 90 and the fuel consumption of Km/lt 50. This new motorcycle was so cheap on fuel consumption, that the given name of "SLUGHI (Ramjet in the USA)", the most pure of the arabic greyhounds, dog of the desert, the most resistant to fatigue and thirst, was perfectly matched.
"Rosa d'Inverno", Milan, 1959
"Rosa d'Inverno", Milan, 1959
THE SPORT
A great year for the Parilla Company, which won three Italian Champs. The first one with the rider Bruno Ferrero at his debut on his 175cc. 4-stroke who won the "Motocross" class. The second one with the rider Antonio De Simone, who won "F3" Brand's Champs, class 250cc. The third one with the rider Vittorio Brambilla, who won the "F3 Cadet Speed" Champs, class 175cc. To complete the above, the rider Giuseppe Rottigni won the Canadian Speed Champs class 175cc. Rottigni moved to the USA to advertise the Parilla products and to train the staff of the main Parilla dealer: the "Cosmopolitan Motors" in Philadelphia.
V.Brambilla, L.Spinello, 1958
V.Brambilla, L.Spinello, 1958
Crippa, 1958
Monte Abetone, 1958
V.Brambilla, 1958
Mancini, 1958
Manganelli, 1958
L.Spinello, 1958
1959 MORE NEWS
Birth of the 175cc. 4-stroke "Special". This motorcycle was a very important one into the range of the Parilla products, on one side because it was looking very similar to the factory motorbike, on another side because it was showing a youthful and sporty look.
The frame was similar to the frame of the 125cc. 4-stroke, with the rear tubes of the frame bended in the reverse sense compared with all the previous 175cc. frames, with some molded sheet metal elements "Diamont shape" and with finned aluminum tools' holders. The engine was as before the tested and updated 175cc. 4-stroke "raised cam". The wheels were 19''.
175cc. 4-stroke Special, 1959
125cc. 4-stroke Special, 1959
A new version of the 125cc. 4-stroke, the "Special", was born, mainly with light blue/gold colors. It was also born the "Slughi" 125cc. 2-stroke, but it left everyone a bit perplexed because the motorcycle was too similar to the previous one, without better performances, even if the displacement was increased to 125cc. (really 115cc.), no updated aesthetics and neither the retail price.
THE SPORT
The Company in 1959 took the decision not to invest more resources, at least for some period, on speed races, following the decision of other companies as Gilera, Guzzi, Bianchi, and together choosing the "Regularity races".
The Company showed up two official teams to take part in National and International competitions. The purpose was ambitious:
try to win the Italian Champs with the 125cc. 4-stroke. Unfortunately the target was missed, even if the Parilla won n.39 races.
Toward the end of the Champs, something happened inside the Company's Sport Direction. A race was missed, and it was taken mysteriously
the decision to reduce the team. Anyway the press reported many photos of the 125 4-stroke "Regolarità" and many positive comments,
so much to consider that year, anyway, positive.
Trofeo Orobico, 1959
Looking at the "speed races", the Parilla 175cc. 4-stroke was winning really everything in the USA. It was proof of the three
victories at Daytona, the "road races", "climb speed" and "acceleration" races' victories. Thanks also to the ability of
Giuseppe Rottigni, distinguishing himself as tuner of the team and as rider.
In Italy at the same time only some victories
by private riders.
Many victories in "Motocross" class by the team of the main dealer in Rome, Mr.Nardi, and by the main dealer
in Turin, Mr.Rege. Very important was the decision of Mr.Rege to enter the 250cc class. with a factory motorcycle 175cc. increased
to 200cc., obtaining an excellent fifth position. This result paved the way to the decision to realize a new 250cc.engine,
experimenting first of all with new solutions of stroke and bore.
This displacement will be chosen for the "Motocross" class, widely in the USA for the "Lightweight" class, getting great results,
and for the "Hill Climb" class. The motorbike keeped the name of "Wildcat".
Burton and Woodman, 1960
Woodman, 1960
1960 NECESSARY NEWS
Giovanni declared that "great news were coming soon" on the planning production's program, and on new constructive techniques. Said by him, usually very moderate and careful, sounded very sensational.
THE OLIMPIA 99cc 4-STROKE AND 125cc 2-STROKE
The motorcycle would not be an undressed copy of the "Slughi", but it was referred to as a brain new project, even if the engine was the proven horizontal one.
99cc. 4-stroke Olimpia, 1960
The wish was to introduce an utility motorcycle as well as "Slughi", with the same retail price, Lit.149.000, and with the same low consumption, but with a classic motorcycle's scheme. This policy was clearly showing that it was believed in economic prices, being sure, also supported by the press, that it was basic to propose low prices motorcycles, with very low consumptions, and with very low maintenance's costs, even if with low performances. All this to contain the competition of utility cars.
THE OSCAR
Referring to Giovanni's words about "sensational technical news", to be presented at the Milan's Trade Fair,
somebody thought of a scooter, but the Company, relying on the surprise effect, did not disclose any image of the motorcycle.
After the Fair had already started, the Company exposed for a couple of days one platform on his exhibition area that was left
intentionally empty. Then suddenly was exposed a revolutionary scooter, very beautiful and fully innovative, named
"Oscar 160cc.", a twin cylinder 4-stroke with electric start!
This model showed a beautiful, elegant and harmonious line. The engine was the most innovative. It was an advanced
horizontal twin cylinder side by side, very harmoniously connected with crankcase, gear transmission and rear wheel.
The cylinders were cooled by two fans, covered by sheet metal covers, which were directing the air through the fins.
The electric start, with the starter positioned on the top of the crankcase, and two batteries under the saddle. No kick start.
This was a really extraordinary project, but unfortunately the scooter remained as a prototype, and never entered production.
Scooter Oscar, 1960
Scooter Oscar, 1960
125cc 2-STROKE ROTARY VALVE GP
When Giovanni declared that there were "outstanding and sensational coming news", he was especially thinking to another motorbike that was almost ready inside the racing department and which was tooking most of his thoughts.
It was a 125cc.two stroke rotary valve GP motorbike, to enter the World Champs.
The engine, running on the bench test, had a horizontal cylinder, radial head, inlet by rotary valve on the right side of the
crankshaft, magnesium crankcase, sparking ignition and five speed gearbox.
125cc 2-Stroke Gran Prix, 1960
MORE NEWS
Another important news was the agricultural/industrial engine, running both with petroleum or gasoline, which was in production inside the "Wilier Triestina" factory. This four stroke engine was sold on two different displacements, named MP8 and MP10 depending on the supplied power: MP8 with HP8, and MP10 with HP10. The appearance of the engines was the same, the difference was on the cylinder bore: mm.80 the smallest (400cc.) and mm.88 the biggest (480cc.). The engine could also be horizontal. The Wilier Triestina bicycles production was still running, and it was nearly ready with one engine to equip the very new four wheels small vehicle, imported from the USA, named "GO-KART".
Industrial engine MP10, 1960
Industrial engine MP10, 1960
THE SPORT
The "Regularity" official team wasn't confirmed, and some races were won by private riders racing for the main dealers, with ex-official motorbikes.
VERY SHORT
Giacomo Agostini, member of the "Costa Volpino motorcycles's club" won the Vilimore Ginkana on a 125cc. two stroke Parilla. The Garelli Company assembled his 125 4-stroke motorcycles, choosing the Parilla engine. The result was a lasting and reliable motorcycle.
