Moto Ceccato was started by former pharmacist. racer and inventor Pietro Ceccato. The Ceccato concern started its life in 1938 near the village of Montecchio Maggiore. They produced air compressors and other garage accessories. A lightweight motorcycle was eventually produced in 1948. The area continued to grow with the success of the factory and in 1952 the development was given the name of Alte Ceccato, a village which remains to this day. Pietro Ceccato unfortunately passed away at the age of 51 in 1956. The factory continued producing motorcycles into the early 60s, but the output eventually faded. Ceccato is now know for their air compressors and vehicle washing equipment.
Moto Ceccato history in California is a brief, but exciting episode. The deal to bring them into this country was, in no doubt, orchestrated by the Italian industry representative in Pasadena, John F. Muratori. Bill Smith Racing Engines, LTD appears to have been the US distributor for the machines.
I envision that only a handful of the Ceccato motorcycles made it to Southern California. I believe that all of them were in the scrambler style, which dominated club racing during the 50s. I was able to find one machine, listed for sale on the AHRMA website approximately ten years ago.
As you can see it closely resembles the Scrambler featured in the advertisement above. Twin filler caps, high mount front fender and off road handlebars. Even the lovely mini megaphone exhaust remains. Unfortunately, this machine was eventually lost. It was last know to reside in Utah. If you know its current whereabouts, please let me know!
There is some history of the Ceccato Scramblers being campaigned in club events, but also in the illustrious Catalina GP.
In 1957, two Ceccato machines placed in two different classes at the famous Catalina Gran Prix. Don Watkins, known for his class victories on Italian lightweights in club runs and events like the famous Big Bear run, placed a respectable third.
Another person who campaigned a Ceccato 125 extensively during the 57′-58′ club season was Cycle Action magazine contributor, Don Broussard.
There were also other riders who were able to squeeze some performance out of the 125 ohv engine. John Christenson scored a third behind MV ace Lyle Ottele in a club run. I believe both rode machines provided by Italian Motors of Pasadena.
Finally, we have a great shot of a Bill Smith, working on his Ceccato trackside. You can see the common SoCal scrambler modification of removing the front fender. Also, evident is the Italian regolarità modifications of the twin filler caps, tank pad mount loops and external coil for quick change during competition.
Ceccato’s foray into the Southern California scene was a short lived blast. It perhaps only survived only 1957-1958. However, podium at the Catalina GP cements its place in history. I will be adding more information as it is unearthed. If you have any photos, history or even a machine lurking in a shed, please let me know!