1972 Benelli 250 Twin 2C 'Phantom' Motorcycle

Description

Originally established by widow Teresa Benelli in Pesaro, Italy in 1911 with the hope that it would provide her six sons with employment, the Benelli Garage began with simple repair work. By 1920 the Fratelli Benelli had produced their first engine, a single-cylinder two-stroke, shortly followed by a complete motorcycle. By the time the Second World War started, Benelli had won four Italian Championships and continued to do well in competition through the Fifties and Sixties. The 250 2C model was a conventional two stroke parallel twin with a bore of 56mm and stroke of 47mm, a five-speed gearbox, foot start and drum brakes on both front and rear wheels, although a front disc was available at extra cost. With twin 26mm Dell'Orto carburettors, the bike was rated at 25 horsepower, enough for a top speed of 145 km/h and Benelli marketed the 250 as the Phantom in the United States. The double cradle frame had a rear swing arm with double adjustable shocks and concentric springs, while telescopic forks were used up front and the handling was widely praised. Following Alessandro de Tomaso's takeover of the company in 1971, a new range of two-strokes was unveiled but Benelli fell on hard times and disappeared from sight for several years. Fortunately the famous Italian marque has been revived and produces high quality superbikes today.