Montesa Impala: Spanish motorcycle that time forgot but Moto Club Impala found three in Mumbai

“Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul,” - by far the most popular quote that motorcyclists live by. A motorcycle can be so much more than just a tool to get from point A to B and wouldn't it? It has been proven scientifically that a riding motorcycle reduces stress. Something that evidently makes you happier is bound to have a greater purpose. A motorcycle also connects people – I have friends in parts of my country and outside it, and it all gets traced back to motorcycles. One such connection drew our attention all the more. A motorcycle club in Barcelona that preserves and celebrates the Montesa Impala and a man in Mumbai – the strongest link between the two? A motorcycle.

But first, what is the Montesa Impala? Spanish motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1944 by Pedro Permanyer and Francisco Bulto, Montesa built lightweight 125cc motorcycles that were good for competition riding. The first Montesa to enter an international six-day enduro race was in 1951. While it didn't win, it opened a window for greater things. By 1960, Montesa perfected their famous model and rolled out the 175cc Impala that grew immensely popular.

The Impala found its way to the American market in 1963 where the 175cc Impala Cross (known as the “Scrambler” in the USA) became a roaring success. It started as a small garage-run operation but eventually expanded into 350 dealers nationwide. The Impala was a powerful motorcycle for its time as 18 bhp from a 175cc two-stroke capable of a top speed 130 km/h are good numbers any motorcyclist would be happy to live with.

Montesa Impala not only was powerful, it looked the part as well and hence went on to become one of the most recognisable Spanish motorcycles to ever retail in the American markets. It was, however, never sold in India but even so, we have confirmed information that three of these motorcycles made it to the country decades ago and are thriving in the hands of their loving owners in Mumbai.

Towards the end of 2009, journalist Antonio Merinero came to know of three Impala motorcycles in Mumbai. He saw in a workshop at the time and intended to find the owners. He met Anthony Fernandes and his cousin Manuel Dsouza and expressed his surprise at recognising a motorcycle that was very familiar to him. Antonio decided to contact the Moto Club Impala in Barcelona, which contacted us recently to narrate the story of the Impala bringing people together.

It is always a pleasure speaking with people who express very evident and true enthusiasm towards their motorcycles and my conversation with Manuel was one such. Manuel says that the first time he saw the Impala some 17-18 years ago, he didn't know it was a Spanish classic but it was 'love at first sight' for him and he knew instantly he had to put it in his possession. He recalls paying Rs 1000-1500 for the bike back then and laughs it off that it may sound like a small amount today but it was quite a lot back then. Manuel restored it in 1996, bought parts for it from Barcelona in 2000, and has been busy and happy upkeeping it since.

Manuel tells us he loves riding his Impala very much and rides it around as much as he can. He reckons that the Impala made it to India through Spanish Jesuit missionaries that visited the country long ago. While it is stupendously rare in this part of the world, Manuel and his cousin Anthony both have an Impala each, along with one other that Manuel is aware of and is gathering more intel on.

Montesa Impala has had several generation changes until 1986, which is now the most modern one. As Montesa Impala was in fact a reliable model, many still remain active and it is common to see one among modern-day motorcycles on the streets of Barcelona. (Pictured here: Montesa production facility in Barcelona, 1962)

In 1986, Montesa brand was acquired by Honda Motor Company, which maintains the brand and manufactures the Cota trial model that remains on the market after over 50 years. During this time, Cota has grabbed a total of 71 driver and brand titles in Trial World Championships.

Moto Club Impala's main goal to keep the Impala alive which it does rather efficiently through its 500 members, organising a series of activities and excursions throughout the year. Of these, the most important one is the Impalada, which will enter its 33rd edition bringing together over 400 enthusiasts for a ride together and nothing but good times.