One owner, 124 miles from new, 1999 MV Agusta 750cc F4 'Serie Oro'

Registration no. not registered Frame no. 000168 Engine no. F4AX000213

• Landmark modern MV
• First-series limited edition model
• Ridden only twice (on trade plates)
• Original paperwork on file

It was every motorcycle enthusiast's fervent hope that, having bought the rights to arguably the most famous and charismatic name in motorcycle racing history, Cagiva would not let the MV Agusta marque remain dormant for long. MV became part of the Cagiva group in 1991 and sure enough, before the decade's end its unmistakable emblem was once again adorning the flanks one of the world's most fabulous motorcycles: the F4.

Designed by Massimo Tamburini, creator of the iconic Ducati 916, and introduced to the public at the 1998 Milan Show, the F4 has already become part of MV legend. In a publicity masterstroke, the factory announced that, most unusually, production would commence with a limited edition run of just 300 very special F4s - the 'Serie Oro' (Gold Series). Production, at the leisurely rate of just three machines per day, commenced late in 1999 at MV's new factory at Cassinetta di Biandronno, Varese.

The Serie Oro's UK price was set at approximately £26,500, more than double that of the standard F4 Strada, yet every single one had been sold prior to delivery, such was the demand. That stratospheric price tag was explained by the exotic materials employed in further reducing weight. For example: the Strada's gorgeously curvaceous fairing is made of plastic whereas the Oro's is carbon-fibre; the five-spoke wheels and single-sided swinging arm - both aluminium on the Strada - are magnesium on the Oro; and the rear shock is a Sachs Competition unit, replacing the Strada's standard Sachs unit. Plus, of course, the Oro's wealth of top-notch, gold-anodised componentry.

This example, number '168', was purchased from MV main dealer Three Cross Motorcycles of Wimborne, Dorset and has been in the vendor's possession from new. It has been ridden only twice (on trade plates) to two dealership openings in Brighton and has covered only 124 miles. Last run earlier this year, it represents a rare opportunity to own one of these exotic hand-built superbikes, which can only become increasingly collectible. The machine comes with the original purchase invoice, factory correspondence, owner's handbook, bike cover, and accessories.