1951 Garelli Mosquito 38A Cycle-Attachment fitted to a 1948 Rudge-Whitworth DeLuxe Sports Tourist Bicycle (Model 124L)
This is a good pairing: the Mosquito engine is a reliable unit, and the Rudge has a well-built frame that’s ideal for motorization.
Frame number: 139753R
Engine number: 437822
Engine made in Italy
It’s not registered, so if you want to use it on the road, you’ll need to join the NACC, apply for a dating certificate (£7), and pay DVLA £50 to get a registration number allocated.
This Mosquito 38A is fitted to a Rudge-Whitworth that’s in superb original ‘time-warp’ condition.
I MOT’d it in 2007, so that MOT is now expired. It has not run since last summer, but it should start up with only the minimum servicing required, and will pass a new MOT.
The Mosquito enjoys a good reputation for reliability and power. The engine was rebuilt (by the previous owner).
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History of Garelli and Mosquito
Obviously the Mosquito was designed and built in Italy. However, it was also built under license in France and Britian. After the Velosolex and the VAP, it was the 3rd most popular French ‘moteur-auxiliaire.’
At age 22, Adalberto Garelli received a degree in engineering and dedicated his work to developing and perfecting the 2-stroke engine for Fiat. He quit in 1911 due to Fiat’s lack of enthusiasm for the 2-stroke engine, and continued his own engine design between 1911 and 1914 which resulted in the 350cc split-single. Garelli worked for other motorcycle manufacturers from 1914 to 1918 during which time he won a competition organized by the Italian Army to design a motorcycle with which he used his 350cc split-single engine.
After WWI Garelli began to produce motorcycles in his own factory. The Garelli 350cc split-single stayed in production until 1926 and made a major impact in racing. By 1928 his motorcycle interest was waning and his factory began producing military equipment leaving motorcycle production completely.
After WWII, military equipment was no longer needed and Garelli introduced an engine called the Mosquito. The Model 38A began in 1946 as a clip-on engine for a bicycle frame. The concept was a huge success over two million of the engines were sold worldwide. Power was delivered to the back wheel via a friction wheel and was able to reach a top speed of 20mph.
They opened a branch in France too. In 1952, an endurance run illustrated the reliability of the Mosquito, with continuous use for 55 days.
The Mosquito Model 38B. introduced in 1953, was a 48 cc engine; while the final attachment engine, in 1955, had a special automatic transmission.
More information can be found on the Cyclemaster Museum website (Page 34) – PLEASE CLICK HERE
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THE 1948/1949 RUDGE-WHITWORTH DELUXE SPORTS TOURIST MODEL 124L
The Rudge was a very well-built bicycle in its day. This particular example certainly reflects that quality, being in such excellent original condition over 60 years after its manufacture.
There was an option for a 3-speed or 4-speed hub. This one features the three-speed. You can see its year of manufacture stamped below – ’48’
The cash price for the Deluxe Sports Tourist in 1949 was £21 14/- 5d.
www.Oldbike.eu 
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