1967 Gilera 106
Gilera has a long tradition of racing with six 500 GP champions from 1950 until 1959. I don’t know if you can name a motorcycle today which has won as much in a ten year period. But this 1967 Gilera 106, manufactured only 10 years from their last Grand Prix Championship could be ordered through the mail. Sears was a distributor for the Gilera 106, and within the pages of their catalogue, would be the form where you could check “Sears 106 motorcycle” and a Championship breed motorcycle would come to your door.
From the seller
THIS IS A VERY NICE 1967 GILERA 106 I HAVE HAD IN STORAGE FOR AUCTION THAT RUN VERY WELL, RECENT TUNE UP BY LOCAL VINTAGE SHOP HERE IN BRIGHTON,MICH. THESE LIGHTWEIGHT BIKES ARE VERY RELIABLE AND ARE SHOW STOPPERS WHERE EVER YOU GO – AS ALL MY BIKES VINTAGE TRACK DAYS AT MID-OHIO ARE THE INTENTIONS FOR MY POSSESSION OF THIS GILERA 106.THESE WERE GILERA BUILT AND DISTRIBUTED IN THE 1960S BY SEARS AS WERE THE VESPAS AND BENELLI. THE BIKE HAS NEW TIRES[NEVER RIDDEN] NEW SET COVER, LEVERS,CLEARCOAT ON TANK – NOT A SHOW BIKE WAS INTENDED FOR TRACK USE – NOT GOING TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR FOR MYSELF. THERE IS A BRAKE LIGHT AND A LIC. BRACKET – THIS IS STREET LEGAL.DISPLAY,RIDE OR CONTINUE TO RESTORE.PAYMENT DEPOSIT PAYPAL – BALANCE DUE CHECK, CASH OR PAYPAL. SHIPPING UP TO BUYER,WILL ASSIST IN LOADING. VERY NICE BIKE. THANKS FOR LOOKING. MS
Sears had first offered their catalogue in 1893, allowing people to order almost anything through the mail. By 1948 Sears offered Cushman scooters through the mail. In 1951 you could order a Henry J 6 cylinder deluxe car. Sears re-branded these motor vehicles under their own Allstate brand. Between 1966 and 1969 Sears used their own name and the Sears 106 was offered. Without knowing it, Sears Customers were getting a Race proven, Championship DNA racing bike through the catalogue.
This 1967 Gilera 106 is dressed up to go to the track, and the seller states that it has done just that. There is very little performance information found on the world wide web for the 106, but I did see someone claiming a top speed of 60mph. When it comes down to it, racing is racing, and throwing your leg over this small Italian mail order bike, you may not go fast, but will have some fast fun. BB