Moto Rumi started scooter production during 1953 and 1954, aiming at a market already shaped by Lambretta and Vespa across Europe.
First came the cast aluminium Formichino. It proved expensive to build, so Rumi introduced the cheaper Formichino E, commonly known as the Little Ant, with a steel tube frame and steel panels and mudguards.
The first cast-alloy scooter used a single rear frame with an integral side toolbox. In 1956, this was superseded by the two-part rear-frame Formichino with a steel tube toolbox under the front saddle.
All scooter models used a 125cc twin-cylinder engine related to the motorcycle power unit, though in lower-output form.
The original cast aluminium Rumi found more success than the Model E, entering the French and UK markets in relatively large numbers, and then spreading to Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and beyond.
Racing success helped sales considerably, especially after three successive Bol d'Or wins at Montlhery. Rumi capitalised on that by producing the twin-carburettor Bol d'Or road scooter.
The success of the Rumi scooter looked assured until later Lambretta and Vespa models began to dominate the market in the early 1960s, pushing Rumi sales into the background.
Production ended around 1960, though parts and machines continued to circulate in the UK for several more years through dealers including Austin's in Harlesden and Stephens Scooter Mart in Richmond.
On the motorcycle side, Moto Rumi produced a wide range of machines for road use, road racing, dirt tracks, and scrambling, known today as motocross.
The motorcycles raced successfully in Italy during the mid to late 1950s, but never made a major commercial mark in the UK. Surviving UK examples are rare, with the Junior Gentleman and Sport among the best-known.
There are only a small number of Rumis left in the UK, with many still needing rebuilds and only a proportion remaining on the road.
