1957 Aermacchi Chimera 175
Country: Italy
Engine: Air-cooled, horizontal single-cylinder
Ignition: Battery and coil
Power rating: 13 bhp
Bore and stroke: 60x61mm
Displacement: 172.4cc
Valves: Overhead pushrod-activated
Fuel system: Single Dell-Orto carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed
Suspension: Telescopic front forks and rear single shock
Brakes: Drum
Weight: 318lb.
Top speed: 65mph
Designed by Alfredo Bianchi from a sketch of The Ultimate Motorcycle by Count Mario Revelli, the Aermacchi Chimera (Dream) was certainly futuristic among classic Italian motorcycles. Its totally enclosed styling and rear single shock suspension were too radical for the Italian public and sales were poor. Redesigned as a sports machine, with conventional twin rear shocks and an exposed motor, sales improved. This motorcycle concept evolved into the Harley-Davidson Sprint models that are familiar to vintage motorcycle enthusiuasts in the USA.
