Vol. 1 No. 7 The Italian Jobs
SEPTEMBER 19, 2021
Italian Dispatch
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WHAT IS IT LIKE RIDING A VINTAGE MV AGUSTA THROUGH ITALY?
Nothing short of spectacular. Over the years as a mechanic, MV Agustas always felt like the brand that truly embodies the most exotic Italian feel. From the high cost to its sound, to its rarity. It makes the same impression that a Ferrari does. Going through small towns, stopping for coffee, men and women would stop and marvel at their home country’s unique ability to design and manufacture objects of desire. During the month and a half that I was privileged to ride my MV Agusta, first through Liguria, and then down to Rome, I was filmed on the highway, only to make friends at the next rest stop with the head of an underground Roman vintage motorcycle club.
I had a clutch cable failure which led me to a chance encounter with Vincenzo (a former 750S owner in 1973) and his best friend Bruno — a master typographer a mechanic — who were nice enough to take me to Bruno’s workshop where they fixed my clutch cable, all while we drank espresso and spoke about the beauty of this era of machines, and the connections they engender.
Unfortunately, I also had a charging system issue, which led to more fun misadventures, but more importantly a meeting with the legendary builder and mechanic Giovanni Magni, who is still operating one of the most impressive workshops I’ve ever seen. He kindly fit me in so I could return for a few more adventures on the MV.
The unspoken camaraderie that exists between people who own vintage machines is hard to explain to people who have never been afflicted with the desire and passion to own them, repair them, and maintain their historical importance. But for the people that do — especially in Italy — the amount of goodwill and understanding is everything I have aspired to as a mechanic and owner of these fine machines.
Bruno (L) and Vincenzo (R)
SOLD
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1976 MV AGUSTA MAGNI
Every MV Agusta is special. But even among collectors, the renowned work of Arturo Magni — and son Giovanni Magni — holds a special place. This spectacular example has all of the specialty parts crafted by Magni over years and years of race success and development. Aside from the eye candy bodywork, the modified frame, chain drive conversion, and braking system, the real heart is what you don’t see. Watch the video to see a few NYC laws being broken. Because once an MV goes over 7000 rpms, there is nothing it can be compared to… except maybe a 12-cylinder Ferrari. More photos here.
SOLD (AGAIN)
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GIUFFRIDA 1971 LAVERDA 750 SFC
(AKA THE CATANIA BIKE)
Giuffrida’s 750 SFC is perhaps one of two very few remaining machines from Laverda’s 8000 batch that has survived intact. Moto Laverda made two production runs for the 8000 batch, five machines then 73, for a total of 78, in late 1971. # 8329 was one of the last, the very last being # 8356. (Laverda mixed the SFC batches into their roadster numbering sequence.) Laverda factory rider and team leader of the day, Roberto Gallina once told Tim Parker that between the SFC and Ducati’s “green frame” bevel 750 SS, “there was nothing in it performance wise”. In 1972, many SFCs were raced successfully both nationally and internationally, but in many cases they continued to be raced by lesser gods often not getting the proper care they needed. Wear and tear took a heavy toll on the 8000 batch.
Read the full write up by contributing editor Tim Parker (aka Laverda Tim)
SOLD
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GiorGIO’S 1974 Laverda SFC
Another amazing original SFC example, this one found in Umbria. One-family ownership since 1975 and another amazing story to tell about this fantastic machine. Here are a few photos from Alessandro Lozzi, our Italian photographer, and stay tuned for our interview with Giorgio and historical presentation coming soon. More photos here.
SOLD
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1972 MOTO GUZZI ELDORADO
A fanatically maintained civilian Eldorado, in police trim. This one had all the fun fixins, including a cush drive rear wheel conversion from a later T3. Gorgeous original paint, beautiful police dash, period spotlights, and a solo seat.
The previous owner added Dietz turn signals, Wixom saddlebags, new battery, new clutch, and a transmission reseal.
This was a perfect example to ride and not hide. If you’re looking for another, look no further than this true decommissioned police bike from Moto Borgotaro, best friend Olivier Rassinoux here.
In CASE YOU MISSED IT…
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The Ducati 750 Super Sport was the first of its kind. A factory race bike that the public could buy. Only 401 examples were produced and every one built was personally supervised by Fabio Taglioni. When Keith Hale first heard the sound of the 750 SS in 1974, he knew he had to own one at all costs. Although only 22 years old at the time, even then he knew it was not just another motorcycle. After taking out a bank loan and begging the Fresno, CA dealership to sell him their only 750 SS in 1975, he went on to use this race bike like no other before him, or since. Watch the full documentary, the short film, and read the full historical write up at ducati750ss.com