PATON

500 GP - 1968

The dynamic duo

The withdrawal of Mondial from competition at the end of the 1957 season made designer Lino Tonti and chief mechanic Giuseppe Pattoni unhappy. So they joined forces to market, under the name of Paton, a twin-cam conversion for the single-cam Mondial sold to privateers. In 1959, Tonti joined Bianchi, leaving Pattoni to survive on his own as an automobile mechanic. They linked up again in 1964, when Tonti went freelance.

Going from Strength to Strength

They then decided to construct a 250 twin largely inspired by Mondial and Bianchi, with which Alberto Pagani finished third in the Tourist Trophy. A 350 version was developed the following year, which was entrusted to Stevens and Bergamonti, thanks to the financial support of Bill Hannah, and a 500 appeared in 1966. In 1967, Paton finished third in the world championship of constructors in the 500cc class, behind MV and Honda; as a bonus, Angelo Bergamonti was declared champion of Italy.

Last Bastion against the Japanese

In 1968, Billie Nelson replaced Fred Stevens and finished fourth in the 1969 world championship. The ultimate version of the 500, with four valves per cylinder, put Roberto Gallina on the winner's stand in 1970. But the Japanese invasion gradually unseated Paton. Fewer than ten Patons were built. Today, Pattoni is the last representative of craftsmanship in the 500cc class – which has become extremely costly and inaccessible – with a four-cylinder two-stroke of his own conception.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 478cc (73x58mm) parallel twin

Power Rating: 58 hp @ 9800 rpm

Valves: twin overhead camshafts

Fuel System: two 35mm carburetors

Transmission: 6-speed

Suspension: telescopic fork (front); swinging fork (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.00x18 inch (front); 3.50x18 inch (rear)

Weight: 309 lb

Maximum Speed: 149 mph

Closely based on the twin-cylinder Mondial and Bianchi machines, the Paton was the great rival of the Linto in 500 Grand Prix racing.