Phil Aynsley shoots a Parilla Slughi at the Doffo Winery
I’ve been known to enjoy the odd glass of wine or three so when I received an invitation to visit Marcelo Doffo’s vineyard & winery and photograph some of his extensive motorcycle collection the next time I was in the USA, I made certain to do so! Definitely an offer too good to pass up.
Usually the biggest problem I have when setting up my portable “studio” is finding a suitable area that is big enough to enable to put my lights wherever they need to be. Marcelo set me up in the barrel room, which made for a most civilised location…
One of the most striking bikes I shot there was this Parilla Slughi (Desert Greyhound) with it’s beautifully minimalist lines.
The Slughi was first displayed at the Milan Show in 1957 with production starting the following year. Interestingly it was available in both 2 (125cc) and 4-stroke (99 & 125cc OHV) variants. It would appear that the 2-strokes were generally a light metallic blue/cream in colour and came without leg shields, while the 4-strokes were painted red/cream and were fitted with the shields. This is a 99cc version.
While Parilla had high hopes for the Slughi sales were disappointing and production ceased in 1964. In the US they were imported by Cosmo Motors and sold under the Ramjet (or Ramjet Streamliner) name. The 99cc model made 8hp at 6,700rpm, weighed 75kg and had a top speed of 105kph.
And needless to say, I didn’t suffer from thirst during my stay!
The Doffo Winery is located in Temecula, about 1.5 hours drive southeast from LA and is well worth a visit.
