GREATEST EVER SINGLE?

Traditionally, Moto Guzzi had concentrated on the 250cc (Lightweight) and 500cc (Senior) classes in Grand Prix racing, but with Norton and Gilera (and soon MV Agusta) getting plenty of publicity through success in the 350cc or Junior class, it was decided in 1953 to enter that class as well. The works machines, finished in drab green, were not entirely original designs, being initially over-bored versions of the 250cc single overhead camshaft Gambalunghino (Little Long Legs) racers, taken out as far as possible to a bore and stroke of 72mm x 78mm) for a capacity of 317cc. When new crankcases were available, the bore was able to be increased to 75mm giving a capacity of 345cc and later to 349cc when the stroke was lengthened by 1mm.

Although the factory was hard at work on its fabled 500cc V8 and also had the in-line four cylinder racer, a 500cc version of the single was also developed for use on tight circuits where the V8 would be considered too much of a handful. Moto Guzzi’s brilliant engineer Giulio Carcano ensured that the development of the singles never stood still.