Montesa Brío 90 at El Bilbaino

 

Great picture of a Montesa Brio 90 in front of the café El Bilbaino in Puerto Pollensa in the 50s

In March 1953, Montesa took part in its first motor show outside Spain: it was the Geneva Motor Show, where Pere Permanyer personally unveiled the new Brío 90 model. They also came up with the brilliant idea of exhibiting some miniatures Montesa models (meticulously made by the artist Manuel Olivé) that caused great admiration among the public. The specialised press tested several Montesa models and the magazine reviews were very favourable. As the brand grew, the bikes started to be exported in substantial quantities to many countries in Europe, South America, and the United States. The North American market, with its great potential, created great expectations for exports. The importer from that country, Kim Kimball (associated with the popular film actor Steve McQueen) started his activity in 1963 by importing some Impala 175 Cross, called "Scrambler" in its American version. Beginning a small business from the garage of his house, he would soon have to expand to new and larger facilities.