Built between 1954 and 1962, the Cardellino (Italian for Goldfinch) was the successor to the Guzzino. Initially, it had a 65cc motor but in 1957 Guzzi bored out the motor to 73cc. Other changes in ’57 included a change from hand shifter to foot shifter and the inclusion of a horn. The second generation was introduced in 1963, it featured a restyle and a bigger motor.
The ’63 bike got a 83cc 2-stroke engine paired with a 3-speed transmission. Horsepower was up to a whopping 2.9, good for a claimed top speed of 40 miles per hour. The bike got a larger fuel tank, revised rear suspension, and the ability to be kick started even if the transmission was in gear. Production of this second series ended in 1965 with 5,237 units built (total Cardellino production across the 65, 73, and 73cc engines was 87,158 per Sheldon’s EMU).
This example features original paint and new tires. The seller states that it “starts right up and runs strong,” and it seems to be original except for the tires and a modern petcock. These did not come with odometers from the factory so true mileage is unknown. But it seems like a cheap and easy way to grab yourself a little 60s Italian runner!
Find this little Guzzi for sale in Van Nuys, California for $1,950 here on Facebook Marketplace.