The “Italian Gold Star”, owned by the consignor for 20 years, in good working order

Developed by Giuseppe Salmaggi, Gilera launched the Saturno in 1939, clocking up initial racing achievements with a few preseries models in 1940. But series production and marketing of the Saturno did not begin until after the war, in 1946. Three model series were manufactured, the Tourismo with 18 hp, Sport with 22 hp, and Competizione. The engine certainly had a sleek and modern look for a pre-war development, and its casing enclosed all elements of the oil circuit. Indeed, the engine was integrated as a supporting element in the frame, saving weight and shifting the centre of gravity to a very low position. The racy back wheel suspension using bell cranks and transfer spring elements was indicative of Gilera’s innovative spirit in an age in which a rigid frame was still commonplace. Production continued until 1958, but only just over 6,000 Saturnos were built.

The consignor received this Saturno as a birthday gift over 20 years ago, although he tended lovingly to the machine more than he rode it. The motorcycle was very elaborately restored at the start of the 90s; only the tank was repainted since then, although the technical servicing schedule was adhered to rigorously. So it is fitting that the consignor had the motorbike inspected and adjusted before bringing it in for auction, which speaks for his deep love of the motorcycle. A valid toll-road sticker rounds off the package. But riding a Saturno is sport, and the owner is more reluctant to invest the necessary time due to his slightly advanced age. Now the bike is available for someone else to try their hand. NB: The date on the 1992 individual approval erroneously states the first registration as 1940. The frame number suggests that it was in the early 1950s.

VIN: 269510 Displacement: 498 ccm Power: 22 hp Gearbox: 4-speed Papers: Austrian individual approval