1978 MBA 125cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. MBA 02101 Engine no. 1P79

The Summer Sale - LIVE AND ONLINE - BICESTER HERITAGE|16 August 2020, 10:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1978 MBA 125cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. MBA 02101
Engine no. 1P79

MBA (initially Morbidelli Benelli Armi and later Motori Benelli Armi) was founded towards the end of 1975 to manufacture production versions of Morbidelli's successful 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix racers. Morbidelli had been founded in Pesaro, Italy by Giancarlo Morbidelli, whose line of business was manufacturing woodworking machinery, which provided the means to fund his passion for motorcycle racing. In 1974 Jorg Möller, previously with Kreidler, joined the team as chief engineer and rewarded Morbidelli with their first World Championship in '75, Paolo Pileri taking the 125cc title. Pileri was 125cc World Champion again in 1976. The following year would turn out to be Morbidelli's most successful, the Italian manufacturer taking the 125cc and 250cc World Championships with Pier Paolo Bianchi and Mario Lega respectively, while Eugenio Lazzarini added another 125cc title in 1978. By this time Morbidelli's joint venture with Benelli was well under way and more than half the 125cc grid at Grands Prix would be mounted on MBA machinery, a situation that continued well into the 1980s. This un-restored MBA twin was purchased from the factory in 1987 when they closed. The machine is offered with two owner's manuals/spare parts lists.

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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Additional information

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12 August 2020, 13:00 - 17:00 BST

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N	NOVA 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.