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LOT 464 *N

c.1930 Moto Guzzi 498cc Sport 14 (see text) Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. 8465 Engine no. L8337

Sold for £10,350 inc. premium
Lot 464*,N

c.1930 Moto Guzzi 498cc Sport 14 (see text)
Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. 8465 Engine no. L8337

c.1930 Moto Guzzi 498cc Sport 14 (see text)
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. 8465
Engine no. L8337

The prototype Moto Guzzi motorcycle was exceptionally advanced for its day: unitary construction of the 500cc engine and gearbox, over-square bore/stroke, geared primary drive, an overhead camshaft, and four valves per cylinder being just some of its salient features. However, the Normale (standard) model that entered production in 1921 was necessarily less ambitious, the most obvious difference being its engine's inlet-over-exhaust (IOE) valve arrangement, adopted to reduce costs.

Guzzi's IOE engine would last well into the 1930s, albeit considerably changed as development progressed, and was used in its latest form for the Sport 14. Introduced towards the end of 1928, the Sport 14 was notable for its three-spring girder fork, inherited from the racers, and Miller dynamo electric lighting, engines so-equipped having an 'L' suffix to their number. Although produced for only two years, the Sport 14 was one of Guzzi's best-selling models of the period.

Believed to be a Sport 14, this Moto Guzzi roadster appears to be an earlier restoration that has since mellowed. Nothing is known of its history or mechanical condition, except that the engine turns over. Offered from a private collection, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning at the very least, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's age, originality, correctness, and mechanical condition prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Should the vehicle remain in Europe, import VAT of 5% will be added to the Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.

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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Lot symbols

*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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