Post Listing Update: This Mercurio did not meet reserve despite 8 bids up to $2,550 on eBay.
The Bultaco Mercurio (Mercury) debuted in 1960 as a 125cc, though by ’64 it had grown to a 175 for the Model 13, a motorcycle that was exclusively sold as an export to the US.
Bultaco stated that the 175cc motor was good for 18 horsepower and a top speed of 80 mph. The Mercury logo was a stylized face of the Roman god that, while Bultaco’s slogan for the model was “Big Gun, Small Price!”
The Mercurio logo, image from Moto Guapa.
This example (VIN: 921198) has been in the seller’s possession since 2011, though he got it in “pretty rough shape” and it has since been restored. Per the seller, “every system has been gone through – the only thing we didn’t do was split the case.” The seller goes through lots of details in the listing, noting a few flaws like old tires, non-functioning horn (6V but the electrical system has been converted to 12V), cut-off rear foot pegs, a couple of non-stock parts, and a paint job that he rates a 8 out of 10. The restoration work was finished a few months ago and the seller hasn’t had the bike inspected or registered since, which may affect title status depending on the state you live in.
Find this Mercurio for sale in Houston, Texas with bidding up to $2,025 and the reserve not yet met