Moto Villa 250/4 | 4-cylinder 2-stroke 250cc Grand Prix racer

With Phil Aynsley


The Moto Villa company was founded by Francesco Villa in 1961 after his long and successful career as a mechanic and rider at Ducati.

This Moto Villa 250/4 Racer was introduced in 1969 but couldn't compete in 1970 due to a two-cylinder limit
This Moto Villa 250/4 Racer was introduced in 1969 but couldn’t compete in 1970 due to a two-cylinder limit

In partnership with Mondial he resurrected their old GP bikes in 1961 and then created new two-stroke racers that used the Mondial name.

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

Together with his brother Walter (four time World Champion for HD-Aermacchi in the 250 & 350 classes), he later introduced his own range of highly successful bikes, all featuring advanced two-stroke technology.

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

After his time with Mondial, his design for a parallel twin 2-stroke 250 racer appeared as a Montesa.

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

From 1968 the Villa brothers’ machines were presented under their own name. The most advanced of these was the 1969 250/4 seen here.

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

It’s layout was basically two of the Villa’s 125 twins mounted side by side. The lower pair of cylinders were inclined 10º from the horizontal, the top pair at 20º.

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

Originally an eight-speed gearbox was used but this was reduced to six to comply with race regulations. The bike (two were built), debuted at the Nations GP at Imola in September ’69 but it was never raced due to the FIM declaring a maximum of two cylinders for the 250cc class from 1970.

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

Francesco Villa himself assisted with the restoration of this bike, which produces 48 hp at 11,500 rpm.

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

PA Moto Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

PA Villa
Moto Villa 250/4 Racer

Source: MCNews.com.au

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