Founded in the late 1890s, Bianchi made little impact outside Italy before WW2 despite an innovative approach which saw a team of unitary 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 Sandro Colombo-designed 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 must have seemed light years in advance of its British contemporaries. This Tonale has formed part of the owner's large private collection since 1988 and was last serviced/MoT'd by John Mossey Classic Motorcycles in July 2008 (copy invoice available), since when it has not been used. Described as in generally good condition, the machine is offered with SORN and Swansea V5.