499 cc engine.

Stilma (Sociéta Torinese Industrie Lavorazioni Meccaniche Affini) was an engineering company based in Turin that began to produce motorcycles in 1946. Little is known of the company, but it is believed that this fascinating motorcycle we offer today was the only one produced by the firm.

The engine was an overhead valve, single-cylinder 499 cc with a single Dellorto carburettor, mated to a four-speed gearbox with a foot change. We understand the engine was to Stilma’s own design and is numbered 003; presumably the first two engines were development units. The front wheel has a 21-inch rim with a speedometer drive attached, and the rear is a 19-inch rim.

The Stilma demonstrates some interesting styling features, including the pressed steel rear mudguard, which covered both the oil tank and battery. As viewed from the front of the bike, the mudguard blends into the forks, a design feature that can be considered an early form of aerodynamic fairing, which is now commonplace on modern sporting motorcycles.

The petrol tank splits into two pannier tanks, and a magdyno supplies the power for the headlight and Magnetti Marelli horn. The mudguard has a small seat attached for a passenger, and the speedometer is a Veglia unit.

Offered in completely original condition and having never been restored, this unique Turin-built prototype was purchased by the vendor from its previous long-term owner, a well-known Italian motorcycle enthusiast. Supplied with the factory development drawings, period correspondence from Stilma and an Italian road test of the era, this is a truly unique motorcycle and one of exceptional originality.