A Brief History of the Marque
Manufactured: 1958-1965
Production: 35 units
Litoverken A.B of Helsingborg was founded by Kaj Bornebusch after Monark withdrew from Motocross GP following the death of its team manager. He partnered with Monark MX team rider Sten Lundin who painted his Monark in Lito colours and went on to win the 1961 500cc motocross world title, with podium finishes in 1962, 63 and 64 along with a victory in the 1963 Motocross des Nations.
Technical wizard Nils Hedlund was also part of the Lito team. They obtained several Monarks from the factory as a basis for their new machines which were powered by an Albin engine modified with top end components from BSA's Gold Star initially housed in BSA frames fitted with other British running gear including forks and wheels from Norton. The Lito engines had a semi-desmodromic system designed by Mannerstedt, who created a similar system for Husquvarna.
Later machines had frames and alloy tanks by Monark, and forks from Maico or Ceriani.
The bikes were built to order and were ridden by serious MX contenders.
Replica Lito machines were built in the 1990s.
Sources: Justyn Norek, secretprojects.co.uk.
Here are another two photos for your collection:
photo Y9N0402 - LITO 500 MX GP bike,
photo Y9N0763 - Sten Lundin riding LITO from IMOLA center plaza to GP track location....
Posted in the Lito gallery
both taken by me this summer,
Best Regards Justyn Norek
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