The Dale Winfield Motorcycle Collection, c.1976 MV Agusta 750S America

• Rare and collectible Italian superbike
• Purchased in Italy
• Requires recommissioning

Developed from its long line of highly successful multi-cylinder racers, MV Agusta's first road-going four - the 4C, a twin-carburettor, 600cc, shaft-driven tourer - appeared in 1965. But the public demanded something more exciting from many-times World Champions MV, and the Gallarate manufacturer duly obliged in 1968, upping capacity to 743cc and further boosting maximum power (to 65bhp) by fitting a quartet of Dell'Orto carburettors to the revised 750S, a high-speed symphony in red, white and blue. Perhaps surprisingly for a sports model, the 750S retained the 4C's shaft final drive while the frame too was virtually identical to that of its predecessor. Hand made in limited numbers and priced accordingly, the 750S was way beyond the financial reach of the average enthusiast.

Although no lightweight - it weighed nearly as much as a Kawasaki Z1 - the 750S gave little away in outright performance terms to such larger machinery, thanks, no doubt, to its engine's Grand Prix heritage. Testing a 750S in 1975, Bike magazine found the motor very powerful. "Surprisingly it also has great reserves of torque and pulls happily from four thousand. It's probably the most powerful 750cc motor made; in a straight drag with a Z1 it lost only a few yards up to 100mph."

In 1976 the 750S was replaced by the 750S America. Bored out to 789cc, the America produced a claimed 75bhp, an output sufficient to propel the Italian sportster to 100mph in around 13 seconds and on to a top speed of 135mph. Production of the 750S America ceased in February 1979. Bike rated the 750S as "one of the most dramatic-looking bikes made, the real stuff of legend". Few would disagree.

This 750S America was purchased in Italy where it is believed to have been previously registered as 'UD 98399' – see 'as purchased' images on file. Notable features include Team Fox (Peter Fox Racing) stickers to front mudguard and tank; Scarab front disc brakes; Dell'Orto carburettors; Lafranconi exhausts; a chromed frame; and Sebac shock absorbers. The machine is believed to have been repainted, while the brightwork, rubbers and seat cover appear original. The only instrument present is a rev counter. Accompanying documentation consists solely of 'as purchased in Italy' photographs. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road. Furthermore, it should be noted that the DGM (product homologation) number is absent thus prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the authenticity of the machine prior to bidding, which is sold strictly as viewed.
Key present.