The Mecum Monterey Auction during Monterey Car Week is a highlight of the year for many auto enthusiasts. Luckily for us, there will also be plenty of cool motorcycles crossing the block to get excited about. Whether you’re attending in person or bidding remotely, the lots coming up this August are well worth a gander.
In previous posts, we’ve covered the ultra-rare Ducatis that headline the auction, as well as the Ruote da Sogno SRL Collection. Now let’s take a look at a couple of other beautiful Italian motorcycles up for auction, from the collection of John Goldman. For a closer look at these two bikes, check out Mecum’s video at the end of this article.
1951 Mondial 125 Bialbero Grand Prix (Lot S15)
This rare championship-winning motorcycle is confirmed to be the machine ridden by Italian legend Carlo Ubbiali to the 1951 FIM 125cc World Championship and is considered the only surviving original example of Mondial’s factory 1951 125cc Grand Prix racer. Mondial dominated the 125cc World Championship from 1949 to 1951, with Mondial riders winning consecutive titles.
The Bialbero was powered by a 125cc Single with a 4-speed gearbox and produced about 15 hp at 10,500 rpm. It weighed just 187 lb dry and had a top speed of about 102 mph. This motorcycle remains in remarkably original condition (including paint, tires, and seat) and was confirmed by Ubbiali himself as his 1951 world championship-winning motorcycle. The bike also won Best in Show at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering in 2015. As the only known surviving original 1951 Mondial Grand Prix bike, we expect it to get much attention at Monterey.
1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata (Lot S14)
Another Best of Show winner of The Quail, this 1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata is one of the most innovative prewar Italian motorcycles ever produced. Built for a single model year, the Carenata was decades ahead of its time. Fewer than a handful are known to survive, making it an important part of motorcycle history.
The Careata was powered by a 196cc air-cooled Single and made 7 hp at 4,500 rpm. Rather than using a conventional frame, the bike features a structural steel monocoque body with bodywork that concealed nearly all of its mechanical components, with removable side panels allowing engine access. John Goldman acquired the machine in 2018 and commissioned a restoration to preserve its design and return it to running condition. This example is one of only four Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata bikes known to exist.
While we are only highlighting a few rare bikes, Mecum Monterey will offer much more to delight gearheads of all persuasions. The auction takes place Aug. 13-15 in Monterey, California. On the Mecum website, viewers can scroll through the lots and collections to find details and photos about each vehicle, as well as find information about how to bid. Registered bidders can bid by phone, online, or in person, and the registration fee is good for all Mecum auctions for a year.
The post 2026 Mecum Monterey Auction Preview: Italian Beauties appeared first on Rider Magazine.
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In previous posts, we’ve covered the ultra-rare Ducatis that headline the auction, as well as the Ruote da Sogno SRL Collection. Now let’s take a look at a couple of other beautiful Italian motorcycles up for auction, from the collection of John Goldman. For a closer look at these two bikes, check out Mecum’s video at the end of this article.
1951 Modial 125 Biabero Grand Prix
1951 Mondial 125 Bialbero Grand Prix (Lot S15)
This rare championship-winning motorcycle is confirmed to be the machine ridden by Italian legend Carlo Ubbiali to the 1951 FIM 125cc World Championship and is considered the only surviving original example of Mondial’s factory 1951 125cc Grand Prix racer. Mondial dominated the 125cc World Championship from 1949 to 1951, with Mondial riders winning consecutive titles.
The Bialbero was powered by a 125cc Single with a 4-speed gearbox and produced about 15 hp at 10,500 rpm. It weighed just 187 lb dry and had a top speed of about 102 mph. This motorcycle remains in remarkably original condition (including paint, tires, and seat) and was confirmed by Ubbiali himself as his 1951 world championship-winning motorcycle. The bike also won Best in Show at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering in 2015. As the only known surviving original 1951 Mondial Grand Prix bike, we expect it to get much attention at Monterey.
1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata
1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata (Lot S14)
Another Best of Show winner of The Quail, this 1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata is one of the most innovative prewar Italian motorcycles ever produced. Built for a single model year, the Carenata was decades ahead of its time. Fewer than a handful are known to survive, making it an important part of motorcycle history.
The Careata was powered by a 196cc air-cooled Single and made 7 hp at 4,500 rpm. Rather than using a conventional frame, the bike features a structural steel monocoque body with bodywork that concealed nearly all of its mechanical components, with removable side panels allowing engine access. John Goldman acquired the machine in 2018 and commissioned a restoration to preserve its design and return it to running condition. This example is one of only four Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata bikes known to exist.
More Bikes at Mecum Monterey and How to Bid
While we are only highlighting a few rare bikes, Mecum Monterey will offer much more to delight gearheads of all persuasions. The auction takes place Aug. 13-15 in Monterey, California. On the Mecum website, viewers can scroll through the lots and collections to find details and photos about each vehicle, as well as find information about how to bid. Registered bidders can bid by phone, online, or in person, and the registration fee is good for all Mecum auctions for a year.
The post 2026 Mecum Monterey Auction Preview: Italian Beauties appeared first on Rider Magazine.
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