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Sport 4-stroke |
Step-thru 2-stroke |
The factory began building the 49cc "Parillino" in 1956. Cosmopolitan Motors renamed the bike the "Hornet" when they introduced it in the USA in 1958. Cosmo then changed the name to the "Dart" around 1960. The bike's size was no bigger than a bicycle and could be pedaled as one. The motor was a tiny 49cc, overhead valve, 4-stroke with a 3 speed transmission. Cosmo mostly sold the Dart "Sport" model with a larger gas tank and a small windshield. The advertising for these bikes was phased out around 1962. Cosmo then sold a motorcycle called the "Super Dart", which was a 70cc cycle made by MDS (not Parilla). The factory continued to build the 49cc until 1964. There was also a 2-stroke 49cc engine option and a step-through touring model, but these bikes were sold mostly in Europe. The 2-stroke motors can be identified by the spark plug location at the top center of the cylinder.
Stats:CC: 49 / Output: 3.5HP @ 5200 RPM / Carburetion: Dell'Orto SO 14/9 / Gas Tank: 2 Gallon / Gas Mileage: 220 MPG / Weight: 105 lbs. / Max Speed: 45 MPH
Colors and prices: Almost all models sold in the USA were red. There may have been a blue metallic/silver version (Different than the bike pictured below), but I have only seen this color on bikes in Europe. The Dart was $249 in 1958 and $239 in 1960.
49cc Advertising & Manuals: There is a parts book and an owner manual for this model, but no shop manual. The factory put out several color brochures of the 49cc, but Cosmo did not do much advertising for this model except for some magazine ads and one or two flyers. To see more 49cc brochures and other advertisements, click onto our 49cc paperwork page.
Today's Dart outlook: [1]
Buying a Dart or Hornet might be tough going. They were never big sellers in the states and are rather rare. Rarity though, does not mean high prices. The Dart was mostly sold locally in the Philadelphia area where Cosmopolitan Motors was located. Parts of all types relating specifically to the Dart are increasingly hard to come by. Only by networking with fellow collectors, one might be able to get parts. You will be in for a tough restoration with an incomplete Dart.
N.B. 1. Today refers to c.2007.
