Douglas Privitt: Last of the Bartali Buzz Bombers

In late January of 2022, I was able to meet a man whom not only competitively piloted a Moto Gino Bartali scrambler in the late 50s, but did so with great success. Douglas Privitt was a dominant force in the local LA club scene from 1958 until 1961. He amassed 10 first place finishes in the 125 class during that time. After hanging up his leathers, Doug went on to design and build submersibles. You can find more history about those and other pursuits here: http://privitt.com/douglas.htm .

Before discovering the power and performance of Italian two strokes, Doug competed in local events on British Machines. He was a proud club member of Bogus MC. (photo courtesy of Mr. Privitt)
Doug standing amongst other competitors at a scrambles event. The Bogus MC name emblazoned across the back of his striped vest. (photo courtesy of Mr. Privitt)

A Bartali sits next to some testing equipment. The diagnostics, coupled with Doug’s abilities, seems to have created a very competitive machine! (photo courtesy of Mr. Privitt)

A very chuffed Mr. Privitt mounted on his Bartali 125. Doug, now in his early 90s, was overjoyed to be back on his steed. His enthusiasm makes it evident as to why he has kept (and restored) it after so many years.
Almost 65 years earlier. Mr. Privitt winning the 125cc class!
A side view of the potent 125cc FBM power unit. This engine was used in a variety of marques. Most notably Moto Beta and Cimatti. Only the side cover was changed by brand, all internals are the same. In the days before expansion chambers, riders often ran with megaphone exhausts or open headers on two strokes, as seen above.

Mr. Privitt still has a portion of the original crate which housed his 125cc on the long trip from Tuscany.

The accomplished pilot inspects his loyal steed.
This wonderful vignette still graces his garage to this day. A nod to his old club and the machine that helped bring him to the podium.

RACE RESULTS:

  • L.A Scrambles 5.25.1958/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • Jack Rabbits MC 7.4.1958/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • PMC Acton Scrambles 7.17.1958/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • SCMC TT Championship 8.16.1958/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • Diamonds MC Scrambles 12.7.1958/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • Dirt Diggers TT/ 9.20.1959/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • Dirt Diggers California State Championship/ 11.7/8.1959/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • Triangle MC Southern California Scrambles 4.24.1960/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • Gripsters MC Scrambles 12.1961/ 1st Place/ 125cc
  • Gophers Scrambles/ 1st Place/ 125cc