BIANCHI

350 Freccla Celeste – 1927

Blue as the sky

Mention the Bianchi 350 Freccia Celeste ("Blue Arrow") of Tazio Nuvolari to the motorcycling enthusiasts of Italy and they will shed an involuntary tear for past glories. The Freccia Celeste, named for its sky-blue paint job, encapsulated the finest racing technology of the 1925 to 1930 period. To counter fierce competition, Bianchi developed a Grand Prix machine with twin overhead camshafts, a feature which had already conquered the automobile racing world but which Bianchi was among the first to employ successfully in a two-wheeler.

Nuvolari's Winning Ways

Tazio Nuvolari, who was to become perhaps the greatest racing motorist of all time, particularly with the Alfa Romeos of the Scuderia Ferrari, gave Bianchi its first racing honors in 1924 at Brescia and then on the notorious Lario circuit, 22 terrible miles which called for outstanding power, acceleration, brakes and road-holding.

A Record of Success

Bianchi won all six Circuits of Lario from 1925 to 1930, five times with Nuvolari riding. The marque was also three times Champion of Italy, in 1926, 1928, and 1929 and won the 1926 Tour of Italy. There were also five Bianchi victories in the Grand Prix des Nations at Monza. Ridden by the biggest names of its day, the perfectly-balanced Bianchi was more than a match for the Rex-Acme, Big Port AJS, KTT Velocette and four-valve Rudge competition.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: air-cooled 384cc (74x8lmm) single-cylinder four-stroke with dry-sump lubrication

Power Rating: 20hp @ 5000rpm

Valves: twin overhead camshafts driven by shaft, 2 valves inclined at 90 degrees

Fuel System: carburettor

Transmission: 3 speeds; hand-or foot-controlled clutch; chain final drive Suspension: girder fork (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front/rear)

Wheels: 2.50x2l in

In 1925 this amazing machine set many world speed records, including 300 kilometers (185 miles) covered at an average of 77.9 mph.