Please note: The seller of this bike is donating all sales proceeds to support the racing career of young rider (and Iconic friend), Solly Mervis. He’s currently competing in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup and was just fastest in the Sunday warmup session at Mid-Ohio!
After Spanish manufacturer Montesa decided to withdraw from competition, Francesc “Paco” Bultó left the company (along with most of the racing department employees) and decided to start his own motorcycle company in 1958. The new brand was named from an amalgamation of his own surname, Bultó, and his nickname, Paco – Bultaco.
Despite Bultaco’s primitive facilities — early models were built on one of Bultó’s family farms — the upstart manufacturer had a bike ready for the press by 1959. And here’s the thing: just two months later, they entered their first Spanish Grand Prix, sweeping seven of the first ten finishing positions in the 125cc class in the process.
With time, Bultaco became best known for its off-road competition bikes, such as the Sherpa T, the Pursang, and the Matador. Originally offered in a 200cc displacement when released in 1964, the Matador grew to 250cc, good for 23.5hp, before the first closure of the factory in 1979. Want to learn more? Check out this road test in Cycle World from 1971 here.
Manufactured March 1971, this example is VIN: B7501785. Engine: 7501785. The seller purchased the bike a few months ago through an Iconic auction and states, “I am a huge Bultaco fan and bought it to get it road-worthy again. Mission accomplished. It may not be a looker, but I cannot say enough about how fun these bikes are. It is also an opportunity to raise funds to advance Solly Mervis’ racing career. He has an amazing story, which in some ways mirrors that of my son. I encourage you to read about it here https://www.icebarnracing.com/team-3. Last, but not least, this bike has some fun provenance: the prior owner was Charles Fleming, long-time LA Times vehicle columnist, author and motorcycle enthusiast.”
There is no odometer. True mileage unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the transmission oil, replace the taillight and headlight 12V bulbs with 6V, and install new tires on the bike.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: PRE-MIX
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, CABLE
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, CABLE
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, CABLE
Final Drive Condition: ENCLOSED
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: NOT WIRED TO ANYTHING
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): OK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): OK
Plate Light: OK
Horn: FAIL
Kill Switch: OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: DRUM
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: DRUM
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 3724
Tire Date Code Rear: 2324
Tire % Remaining Front: 100
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100
Tire Press. Front: 28 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 30 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 4.9V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 6.19V
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: OK
Test Ride Distance: N/A, NO ODO
Notes:
• NEW TIRES & TUBES
• NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID
• LIGHTING SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY
• HIGH & LOW LOW BEAM WORK LIKE REAR LIGHT BUT NOT 100%
• HORN + FRONT TURN SIGNALS ARE PRESENT BUT NOT APPEAR TO WORK
Recommend:
• HORN + FRONT TURN SIGNAL NEED SEPARATE 12V SYSTEM MADE IN ORDER TO FUNCTION.
Modifications:
Renthal handle bars.
Hour meter.
Headlight, taillight, and turn signals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC Trials tires with date codes of 2324 and 3724.
There are no keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Bultaco is offered on a clean California title. Per the California DMV website, it will cost $156 to bring California registration current through November 2025.
Have any Matador stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
