Derbi began contesting the 50cc class in 1960, with lead engineer Francisco Tombas designing a disc-valve motor the following year (8 speed, 11.5hp at 12,000rpm). In 1962 they entered the new 50cc World Championship and finished a close 2nd in the Spanish round, the first race of the year and the only GP they contested.

That same year saw them win both the Spanish and French national championships.

In 1965 a new water-cooled design appeared (14.5hp at 14,000rpm) but it wasn't until 1968 that Barry Smith of Australia brought Derbi its first major international win at the Austrian GP, followed by another at the IOM TT.

Smith finished 3rd in that year's World Championship with team mate Angel Nieto placing 4th. Nieto won the title in 1969 with Smith again in third place. By 1972 the works 50cc bikes made 18hp with a top speed of over 195kph and were dominating the 50cc class.

50cc World Championship Results
1969 1st Derbi

1970 1st Derbi (and 2nd in 125 class)

1971 2nd Derbi (and 1st in 125)

1972 1st Derbi (and 1st in 125)

1974 3rd Derbi

Nieto continued to race for over a decade with Bultaco, Minarelli, Garelli, Kriedler and others, and won international championships in 1975, 76, 79, 81, 82, 83 and 84. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest racers of all time.

This machine was campaigned by Benjamin Grau in the Spanish Championship circa 1975.

An exhibit at the Can Costa Collection
Fine photography by Phil Aynsley
Derbi Motorcycles