Italian Renaissance
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE
ART FOR THE RIDING
DUCATI'S NEW Supermono 550 and this exquisite Parilla 250 have a lot in common. Both are Italian. Both are Singles. Both are racebikes. And both were built this year.
“Basically, it’s a 1993 Parilla,” says Todd Millar, who built the bike along with partner Tom Rightmyer to showcase the pair’s restoration business (1333 Carmenita St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651; 714/494-2197). It would be more accurate to call the finished product a Parilia Special rather than an authentic restoration. The engine and the front fender are the only parts that ever saw the inside of the Parilia factory (out of business since 1967). With these as a starting point, Millar rounded up Borrani rims, Fontana brakes, a Ceriani fork and a Veglia tach. Everything else on the bike-frame, swingarm, aluminum fuel tank, seat, rearsets, clip-ons, even the hand levers-was designed and fabricated by Millar and Rightmyer.
Millar, 54, says he is drawn to Italian bikes because of their “flair for line,” a point nicely illustrated by the Parilia.
“If the damn thing didn’t run at all, I’d be happy just to look at its architecture,” he says, “it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Certainly, no Parilia ever looked this good. In fact, this is one of the most finely crafted motorcycles you’ll ever hope to see. It’s been entered in two concours ¿’elegance, an¿ copped Best of Show honors both times.
If you like what you see, the Parilia Special can be yours—at a price. “Yes, it’s for sale,” says Millar, “and, no, it ain’t cheap.”
David Edwards
