A superb and rare photo, made from what we believe is the original negative, of the great Kel Carruthers on the magnificent Benelli 250cc four cylinder Grand Prix racer at the 1969 250cc Adriatic Grand Prix which was ridden on the circuit of Opatija.

The year 1969 was a great year for Bennelli and the talented Australian Kel Carruthers. He won with his magnificent Benelli 250cc four cylinder Grand Prix racer the 250 World Championship that year. A terrific achievement, and also the last time a four-stroke motorcycle claimed the world title!

The Benelli four cylinder Grand Prix racers were very complicated but indeed highly successful in racing. In the 1960s several great riders competed with this wonderful machines in the world championships: Tarquinio Provini who won the Italian Championship with the 250 in 1965 and Renzo Pasolini who won the Championship with the 250 as well as the 350 in 1968 and 1969.

In 1969, Benelli’s enormous effort invested in competition was rewarded with the 250 world title thanks to Kel Carruthers, who also again won the Tourist Trophy in the same year on the machine in the photograph.

But also riders like Mike Hailwood and Jarno Saarinen rode the Benelli four GP racer. It was made in three versions: 250cc, 350cc and the most rare one: a 420cc which was ridden by Mike Hailwood on a few occasions.

We have more photos of the Benelli four and other racing machines, so take advantage of our shipping discount!

This is your rare chance to own this photo that reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycle and Benelli’s history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca 8" x 11" (ca. 20 cm x 27 cm).