Parilla · 1960s
Parilla 250 Gran Sport and Wildcat: history and buying advice
The last Parillas were especially popular in America.
History
The 250 Gran Sport (GS) was loved by sporting riders. A five-speed racing version finished second at Daytona in 1964. The Wildcat was a street scrambler that shared most parts with the GS.
In 1964 the Italian company went bankrupt. Importer Cosmopolitan Motors kept the name alive in America until 1967.
Key data
| Engine | 1 cylinder, four-stroke, high-cam, 250 cc |
|---|---|
| Gran Sport | sports model; racing version 2nd at Daytona 1964 |
| Wildcat | street scrambler, many parts from the GS |
| End | Italy 1964; USA until 1967 |
What to check when buying
- Many examples come from America; check the papers and the import.
- Check the high-cam engine for chain noise and oil leaks.
- Check whether it is a genuine Wildcat or GS, or a conversion.
SourcesOld Bike Mag: Parilla (English)MCNews: Parilla 250 Wildcat (English)