SELLER SAYS: From Swiss origins (made for their defence force in the 1970s), sourcing a Ducati scrambler 350cc bevel drive powerplant, detuned so it can run on low spec fuels. Unmolested. First kick start [left side]. This example was originally imported into the USA then over to Oz. It really hasn’t done a hard day’s work in its life. Original and unmolested, a few bumps here ‘n there. It does not come with the twin automatic rifles issued as standard in Switzerland. It is on club registration and it has had two rides in the last year. The original books, toolkit, spares, lock and keys are all carried on the bike. The Ducati engine runs like a sewing machine and is in mechanically top shape. Contact Stephen on 0458 058 746 (Allora, Queensland)
EDITOR TERLICK SAYS: Tired of being chased by dogs on your postie run? Still lie awake at night worrying about the yellow peril? Or perhaps you like the idea of dealing with a local rabbit plague, old school? I jest, of course, although the twin rifle holders on this marvellous machine do bring some whacky ideas to mind. Condor was a bicycle manufacturer back in the day and, like so many, evolved into motorcycle manufacture. Unlike most, Condor preferred to stick to what they knew best — building frames — and used other people’s engines. In the case of the A350, that engine was a single-cylinder 350 Ducati, rubber-mounted in the Norton isolastic style to keep Swiss soldiers comfy while they scaled alps and things, twin assault rifles at the ready. About 3,000 of the machines were made, every one of them for the Swiss Army, and they apparently stayed in military service right into the early 21st Century. Then they were all sold off, being snapped up by farmers, grumpy postmen and, of course, collectors. This one of Stephen’s looks to be wonderfully unmolested, right down to the exhaust pipes that are painted rather than chromed, because the army didn’t want shiny mufflers catching the light. To finish it off, all you need are those two missing rifles. Great stuff.
