Benelli 254 Quattro

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The Benelli 250cc four-cylinder road racer gained many wins in its illustrious career, but when it was decreed that the 250cc racing class be limited to twin-cylinders, the nail was in the coffin and the model ceased to be made in 1969.

During 1971 Benelli got into financial difficulties and it was taken over by Argentinian businessman, Allesandro de Tomaso, who scrapped the race programme but launched a new range of machines using knowledge gained on the race track, all multi cylinder in the 250, 500 and 750cc class.

The original 250cc class machine was the 231cc Quattro, but not selling in sufficient numbers it was re-designed to become the 254. This retained the earlier machine’s running gear, but newly styled bodywork was used to bring this little jewel bang up to date.

The 254 sold well in Europe where there were tax advantages for machines under 350cc, but in the UK where it was approximately £500 pounds dearer than a Honda Super Dream it was a rare sight indeed, many considering that to be too much to pay for an extra two cylinders on what was a learner class machine.

First registered in June 1981, this Benelli 254 has been on display at the Stondon Museum since 1997. Accompanying MOTs from 1992 to 1995 show light use with just 400 miles covered in that period. There is a current V5C and a magazine article on file which tells more of the story of this model. This represents an opportunity to own what is probably the world's first road-ready miniature 250cc class four-cylinder super bike.