Here is a rare machine indeed! The only surviving example of Gilera’s 1956 175 F3.
1956 Gilera 175 F3 Prototype
Six prototypes were constructed before the company decided not to proceed with the project. All bar this bike (which had been sent to the US) were returned to the factory and destroyed.
1956 Gilera 175 F3 Prototype
And that is all that is known about it! I photographed the bike in 2013 at Guy Webster’s collection.
Phil Aynsley sadly passed away in 2023 after a life spent travelling the world photographing many of the rarest and most beautiful motorcycles ever made. We are proud to continue showcasing his catalogue of work on MCNews.com.au.