ItalJet Kit Kat- 1971

ItalJet founder Leopoldo Tartarini was a pilot, and later a factory racer for Ducati. When an injury prevented him from competing in the top ranks, he still had a year on his contract with Ducati; a huge publicity tour was undertaken – the Ducati World Adventure in 1954. This 37,282 mile trip was far more harrowing and adventurous than he had imagined, involving illness, bar fights, robbery, imprisonment under a mistaken identity, and climactic challenges. Upon completion, Tartarini established ItalJet.

ItalJet has been making scooters, motorcycles, and now electric bicycles since 1959, with over 150 designs to their credit. The ItalJet philosophy is “to create stylish products with a strong personality; to innovate and anticipate the public’s taste and fashion, while staying one step ahead of the competition.”

The Kit Kat was ItalJet’s 73-lb non licensable-for-street-use transportation solution. It was powered by a 49cc Gyromat two-stroke engine. The Kit Kat’s handlebars and seat fold down into the frame for easy transport. A “Personal-Use Report” from the February 1972 issue of Popular Science magazine said the Kit Kat can “save you a lot of shoe leather around a mobile-home park”.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: ItalJet Moto
Country of Origin: Italy
Drivetrain Configuration: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: 49cc Gyromat, two-stroke, air-cooled, one-cylinder, 2.2 hp
Transmission: Single-speed, centrifugal clutch
Top Speed: unknown
Years of Production: 1969-1973
Number Produced: unknown
Original Cost: $315 USD