Rescued Lodola Gran Turismo

The last thing you'd expect to find whilst venturing into Deep Dark Africa is an old Lodola in almost original condition. Whilst travelling to Uganda in Central-East Africa in December 2004 I came across this beauty. She had been abandoned and forgotten in an old workshop/shed. Her engine still ticks over nicely even though it looks like she was used and abused by Idi Amin (***shudder***) . The seat must have been "borrowed" from an unknown donor bike as the Lodola bench type seat has long since disappeared. She is being kept in Kampala, Uganda for me by a family member until such time as I can arrange her a "cheap ticket" to the UK.

The cost to ship her to the UK from Uganda would be more than she is worth fully restored. I simply cant afford that. So I have to wait until for my kin to move to Cape Town South Africa (may be in the next 3 years). They will be taking a container load of possesions back with them and I have negotiated a bit of container space for her. Shipping costs from Cape Town make it a worthwhile venture but until then I can only dream.


This model was manufactured from 1956- 1966, one of the last designed by Carlo Guzzi himself. What we have here is a bike that has endured 50 years of African hospitality.

She probably started off life as an import for a Brit living in Colonial Uganda back in the 50's. She's seen the end of Colonial Rule, at least 3 African style Revolutions, an equal amount of Blood thirsty dictators and not to mention some of the worst roads in the world

(And can look forward to having you on her soon!-Joe).

I feel duty bound in rescuing her and giving her the life of luxury. Nestled in a warm dry garage in winter and given the opportunity to blast away at the country lanes on a warm British Summer's Day.

I am tempted to just replace the seat with an original lodola, overhaul the engine and keep her as she is in all her battered glory. Totally original. However that may not be practical as corrosion has set in slowly, held back by a warm dry climate.


Bringing her to the UK and its cold damp climate may just accellerate the process and leave me with a useless heap of rust in just a few years.

There is nothing very wrong with her, fantastic build quality has ensured her survival through the years. Wished they still made bikes like that.

(I for one, think she's lovely...the styling is so unique and nostalgic-Joe)


One thing is for sure, I am going to have one helluva good time on this project. Any sympathetic freight company directors out there who'd assist in transporting her to the UK?


If you've restored a Lodola or in any way been involved in the upkeep and maintenance of one I'd love to hear from you.






Watch this space. I will be updating this page as soon as there are any developments.

Any advice from Guzzi Gurus on her restoration will be appreciated. From what I can see she is almost totally original except for the seat and rack.

I may be wrong there too but the single seat is too used and worn to properly identify (unless compared with an original). The rack at the back repaces the orginal back seat.
As said , any advice from Guzzi gurus appreciated.

As recently as 2004 , a Lodola Gran Turismo sold on auction in scotland fpr £1200:- Lyon and Turnbull of Edinburgh.

EDINBURGH 7th August 2004

Antiques including Motor Cycles Sale at 11am Contact: Greg Hamilton

Lot 291 1960 MOTO GUZZI LODOLA GRAN TURISMO, 235cc, reg. no. VSY 102 Designed by Carlo Guzzi in 1956 the Lodola was produced in both 175cc and 235cc versions. The model proved very successful in trials, but was equally popular in standard road-going trim. In excellent condition this fine machine represents an interesting change from the ubiquitous C12 and C15 BSA lightweight models more usually seen on British roads. Frame number REB14. Engine number REB00. Sold for £1,200