Founded in the late 1890s, Bianchi made little impact outside Italy before WWII despite an innovative approach which a team of unit-construction, twin-overhead-cam 350s entered in the 1926 Isle of Man TT, the design having first appeared in 1924. In the post-war period the company's road range consisted mainly of lightweights, the mainstay of production being 175cc models like the Tonale. Styled as only the Italians know how and featuring a unitary construction, overhead-cam engine, duplex loop frame and full-width alloy hubs, the Tonale and its Bernina 124cc stablemate must have seemed light-years in advance of their British contemporaries.

We are advised that this incomplete Bernina was dismantled and its engine/gearbox internals found to be in good condition before being loosely reassembled. The machine is offered for restoration/spares and sold strictly as viewed.