Prototype S2?

[Doom Patrol]

Here's a strange one. Some of you may have seen photos of this before. But, for those that haven't I'll explain. It's a S2 frame, but not as we know it. There is something strange going on with the battery tray and what appears to be a novel form of engine mount. Quite what the purpose of these innovations is we may never know for sure. However, the frame number puts it fairly and squarely amidst the Italian production run, so it's interesting to speculate that it might have been some sort of test bed machine, or possibly modified for racing. Does anybody have any thoughts on this?

[sonicdave]

looks like the battery tray is on upside down!

[Doom Patrol]

I thought much the same, but apparently the battery tray bolts on to it somehow. If it was an innovation I can see how it might not have been practical and quickly forgotten.

[lammydave]

the battery tray fitting is standard for series 2's..... well, the ones that had battery trays, anyway....

[Doom Patrol]

You're right. I think it's only the engine mountings that are modified basically.

[Ian Hepworth]

Went for £1700 on ebay. Genuine innocenti prototype!