Zigolo 98 Series 1 1953

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mick...@btinternet.com

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Nov 9, 2020, 2:45:15 PM11/9/20
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Hi Everyone.  I recently impoorted a Zigolo 98 Series 1, first registered in Turin in September 1953.  As I understand it, the model was only presented to the World at the Turin Motorcycle Show in December of the same year, so a very early model.  I have plenty of documentation, when it was registered, registration number, who has owned it, how many times it has benn sold etc.  It has matching frame and engine numbers Z*24120235*.  All great.  However, when I looked up the VIN Nos for the bike, it tells me that between 1953 and 1957 (the 98cc Run) the Nos run from 23110001 > 232011300, NOT a 24 in sight!
Has anyone any ideas?  Is anyone out there a Zigolo Expert/Fanatic or knows anyone who is?

This Little Bird (Zigolo means Bunting) was painted one colour (a grey) with a black headlight.  No chrome.  This was to keep costs down.  Has anyone a shortcut to finding out Guzzi Paint Codes and suppliers to save me hours of researching on the internet.

Thanks in advance for any help suggestions forthcoming
Regards
Mike Burton

Jon Fraser

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Nov 9, 2020, 5:02:13 PM11/9/20
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Hi Mike,

I read with interest your posting about the early Zigolo 98 that you have recently imported.
Whilst I cannot claim to be either a Zigolo expert or fanatic I do own an early all grey and black example that I imported from
the Turin area several years ago. The italian document that accompanied my bike was its original grey-covered 'libretto' which
is stamped with its earliest date of 29 Mar.1954. The serial numbers (8 digits) of this machine are matching and commence with 261. There are continuous yearly stampings made inside the booklet suggesting the bike was in regular use up until 1969.

It would seem from this that by late March 1954 the serial numbers had already reached 26. I wonder where you found the information about VIN nos all commencing with 23 ? The second number you quote has 9 digits which is puzzling.

Out of curiosity I'd like to see a photo of yours if you have one. What condition is it in I wonder ? Are you aiming to keep it and use it ? I assume you're somewhere in UK ?
Regards,

Jon Fraser

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Don-Spada

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Nov 9, 2020, 6:38:10 PM11/9/20
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Just a thought, are you sure you are reading the correct numbers on the frame?  Italian frame and engine numbers are always stamped between 2 stars. There could well be separate VIN number as well.
If you look at the image in the link below, the frame number is read as T56IZ.  Ignore the number that starts IGM, that relates to the model indentification. 
More information about it here.. https://www.mgcn.nl/database/mg-framenummers 
Don 

SED Sci

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Nov 9, 2020, 8:57:35 PM11/9/20
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Lechler has the paint and paint codes.  Search for Lechler paint codes and you should find a PDF with a whole list.  There may be a list in the files of this group.

pouma1954

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Nov 10, 2020, 2:26:27 AM11/10/20
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IGM or DGM is the homologation number.
Paul 



Envoyé depuis mon appareil Galaxy


-------- Message d'origine --------
De : 'Don-Spada' via Guzzi Singles <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com>
Date : 10/11/2020 00:38 (GMT+01:00)
À : Guzzi Singles <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com>
Objet : Re: [guzzi-singles] Zigolo 98 Series 1 1953

Phil Skinner

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Nov 10, 2020, 4:10:37 AM11/10/20
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Thanks Don, for your input on the subject of Engine and Frame numbers.

 

I have a couple of bikes that fall into the odd numbering system used by Moto Guzzi and the 50’s.

 

My Super Alce has Engine number AV 97221 and Frame number AV 30716. The numbers match and I know that the bike was built on the 14th January 1952 (as per the factory records). My understanding is that the numbering system used in the early days was a straight numerical system which would imply my Super Alce was the  97221 engine built. This sounds like it might be correct ie 97221 motors made between 1921 and 1951 equates to 3200 motors per year, 270 per month.

 

My question is, “does anyone know how to decode the slightly later numbering system as used for the Cardellinos?”

 

I have a 65cc version with frame and engine numbers DIR 02, and a 73cc version with engine and frame numbers BZT 07.

 

How did the numbering system, that started at A 00 AA and ended with A 49 GZ for the 65cc version, and started at B 00 AA and ending with B 24 FF for the 73cc version end up as DIR 02  for the 65cc and BZT 07 for the 73cc?

 

I look forward to your replies.

 

Cheers

 

Phil

mick...@btinternet.com

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Nov 11, 2020, 11:30:49 AM11/11/20
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Checked in the Mario Colombo 'Bible':  my bike does not exist.  That said I have a Dating Certificate from  the AircooledRDClub which means I can register it in the UK.  Whoop Whoop!
Mike

mick...@btinternet.com

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Nov 11, 2020, 11:30:50 AM11/11/20
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Hi Everyone,

Thanks for getting back to me.  Here she is (see below).  There are many odd things about her.  She has definitely been dropped.  The rear swinging arm is a mess and the underside of the handlebars habe had brazing speter mented into holes worn through in a 'crash'.  It was originally grey (all over) and then was overpainted in dark blue!  Was it a police bike?  Then 'blown over' again with the grey.  I got the 1953-57 VIN Nos from a Dutch Site.  Trying to locate a Mario Colombo Moto Guzzi 'Bible' to see if I can reference the numbers there.

I have images to share with you, but as I am new to this platform I don't seem to be able to work out how to do it?  Guidance please.


Thank you

Mike Burton


On Tuesday, 10 November 2020 at 09:10:37 UTC phil.sk...@gmail.com wrote:

mick...@btinternet.com

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Nov 17, 2020, 2:11:40 PM11/17/20
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How do I add images?!

Mike Burton

Patrick Hayes

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Nov 17, 2020, 2:14:52 PM11/17/20
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On 11/17/2020 10:50 AM, 'mick...@btinternet.com' via Guzzi Singles wrote:
> How do I add images?!
>

Best way is to find a photo hosting service and then post a link to your
photo. I use postimages.org but there are others for free.

https://i.postimg.cc/XqZct3XL/MVC-457X.jpg


Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Mike Burton

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Nov 21, 2020, 7:35:36 PM11/21/20
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Hi Joe,


I got the numbers originally from a Dutch Guzzi Website and then cross-checked at the local Lusso Veloce (Italian Import Specialists in Ellistown Leicestershire) my local 'dealership, where the have a copy of Mario Colombo's 'Guzzi Bible'. This confirmed the numbers I had found on the Dutch Site.


Mike


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