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LOT 658 N

1952 Motobi 200cc Spring Lasting Frame no. 3832 Engine no. 3832

Sold for £3,220 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 658N

1952 Motobi 200cc Spring Lasting
Frame no. 3832 Engine no. 3832

1952 Motobi 200cc Spring Lasting
Frame no. 3832
Engine no. 3832

The now-defunct Italian manufacturer Motobi is closely related to Benelli. In 1949 the eldest of the six Benelli brothers, Giuseppe, left to found his own company: Moto 'B' Pesaro, later Motobi. The latter's first design was a 98cc single-cylinder two-stroke lightweight with horizontal engine, a layout that would characterise its offerings from then onwards. In the early 1950s a new range of all-aluminium engines was introduced whose profile resembled that of an egg or rugby ball, and this style was deliberately retained when Motobi switched to overhead-valve four-strokes towards the decade's end. Six years after Giuseppe's death in 1957, Motobi merged with Benelli and its models continuing to be manufactured, although often with 'Benelli' on the tank. Hailed by its maker as "the most admired motorcycle of today", "built in the light of a half-century experience", the curiously named Spring Lasting was powered by Motobi's trademark egg-shaped engine, in this case a 200cc two-stroke twin. The latter produced 9bhp, which was sufficient to propel the 105kg (231lb) machine to a top speed of 105km/h (65mph). Badged as a Moto 'B' Pesaro, the Spring Lasting offered here is believed to be an older restoration. There are no documents with this Lot.

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.

Saleroom notices

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  • 12 August 2020, 13:00 - 17:00 BST

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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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