Baretta made in Italy by Piccoli Motori Minarelli V1 engine
Piccoli is an Italian surname that also means “smalls”. Piccoli Motori was near Bologna Italy, but is not in the Wheels of Italy Encyclopedia. Baretta is a trade name made up by Baretta of America, 2904 S Figueroa Av, Los Angeles California. The spelling of “Baretta” is that of the 1970’s TV series, with an Italian detective, not the “Beretta” hand gun. The Piccoli-made top tank chassis, Baretta Magnum and Cosmo Colt 1 and 5 are the same. The Piccoli-made step thru chassis Baretta 22, 38 and Cosmo Blazer 1 and 2, are all the same. The Piccoli-made monotrave chassis Baretta 44/45 is close to the Lem Pratikal, but the Lem rear lifting handle is straight, while the Piccoli is curved. The Baretta 44 has spoke wheels and a solo seat. The Baretta 45 has Grimeca “snowflake” mag wheels and a long seat.
1977 Baretta 22
standard tube frame
1978 Baretta 38
long seat model
1978 Baretta 44
monotrave style frame
1979 Baretta 45
1979 Baretta Magnum
Baretta Floorboard
carb “hole” is original
Malaguti Floorboard
this one is “slotted”
The Baretta and Malaguti floorboards look the same. The only difference is the bulge for the V1 or MO-1 start lever. Also the Cosmo Colt floorboard is like these, but with a different carb hole location. Piccoli probably made them, since that was their business.
Baretta components: Minarelli V1 engine 20(1.0hp), 25(1.5hp), 30mph(2.0hp) versions, Dellorto SHA 14/12 (or 14/9) carburetor, CEV lights and switches, Domino controls and levers, Grimeca hubs and brakes, CEV 6932 magneto, CEV or Veglia speedometer with LH driver. Gas cap for monotrave/tubone is clamp-on pop-up, for step-thru and top tank is 30mm qtr-turn.