Fonderie Officine Rumi started around the turn of the century in Bergamo, Italy making cast components for textile machinery. In the leadup to and during WWII, it was contracted to manufacture armaments for the Italian navy. After the end of the war, the company turned to building small motorcycles and scooters around a 125-cubic-centimeter two-stroke parallel twin-cylinder engine mounted horizontally in a tubular chassis with both cylinders pointing forward. The crankcase and transmission were stressed members, forming the bottom of the “frame,” a design that has since proliferated in modern motorcycle design.

The first Moto Rumi models were produced in 1949, while scooters featuring sophisticated monocoque bodies made entirely of cast aluminum followed several years later. Rumi built both road and race motorcycles, the latter Competizione model was nicknamed “Gobbetto” or “little hunchback” for its distinctively shaped fuel tank. Raced by both factory and private teams, Rumi motorcycles saw success in competition, with a Gobbetto winning the Italian National Championship in 1954. In 1955, the Competizione gave way to the Junior Corsa, which would be replaced by the Junior Gentleman in 1959.

The Dare to Dream Collection acquired this lovely example in 2014 out of California. Its striking livery of red paint with black accents remain lustrous, as does the brightwork. The black suede seat and padding atop the fuel tank likewise show in good condition, and the engine remains well detailed, while light scratches are apparent on the windscreen.

With their melodious 125-cubic-centimeter twin and stylish 18-liter fuel tank styled by Donnino Rumi, son of company founder Achilles Rumi, the Juniors are fashionable machines and rare, with approximately 300 produced from 1955 through 1959.