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LOT 491 N

1973 Benelli Tornado 650S2 Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. EA 9404 Engine no. ES 9695

Estimate: £5,500 - £6,500
Lot 491N

1973 Benelli Tornado 650S2
Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. EA 9404 Engine no. ES 9695

1973 Benelli Tornado 650S2
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. EA 9404
Engine no. ES 9695

Best remembered for its racing fours and road-going sixes, the Benelli factory of Pesaro in Northern Italy exhibited its first 650cc twin at the Milan Show in 1967, though production did not begin in earnest until 1971. Christened 'Tornado', the new model - it was hoped - would cash in on the popularity of big parallel twins in the lucrative US market. With its 360-degree crankshaft and pushrod valve gear, the unitary construction Benelli motor aped its British counterparts but followed Japanese practice by employing a horizontally-split crankcase and geared primary drive. Alternator electrics and a starter motor were introduced on the 650S in 1973. Production of the final version - the 650S2 - ceased in 1975.

A machine for the parallel-twin enthusiast who dares to be different, this early Tornado 650S2 was manufactured in December 1973 and has had only one owner from new (see documents on file). Never molested, it has covered only 7,200 kilometres from new and is presented in original condition, even down to the number plate. It is not known when the machine last ran, and thus re-commissioning and the customary safety checks will be required before use. A unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional example of this rare Italian twin.

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.

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

Lot symbols

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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