Property of a deceased's estate, 1978 MV Agusta 832cc Monza

Registration no. XPK 333T Frame no. MV750.2210378 Engine no. 221 0315

• Exclusive, last-of-the-line, limited edition model
• Believed genuine 802 miles from new
• Present ownership since 1994

The limited edition MV Agusta Monza offered here represents the culmination of the legendary Italian factory's range of four-cylinder superbikes. Developed from its long line of highly successful multi-cylinder racers, MV Agusta's first road-going four - a twin-carburettor, 600cc tourer - appeared in 1965. But the public demanded something more exciting from many-times World Champions MV, and the Gallarate manufacturer duly obliged in 1969, upping capacity to 743cc and further boosting maximum power (to 69bhp) by fitting a quartet of Dell'Orto carburettors to the revised 750GT. Equipped with shaft rather than chain final drive, the latter arguably was more of a tourer than an out-and-out sports bike. Not that many people got to find out for themselves, for the MV was hand made in limited numbers and priced accordingly.

Also in the line-up was the more sporting 750S. Its replacement - the 750S America - was introduced for 1976 featuring a motor bored out to 789cc. The next stage of development was the Monza. A stretched (to 832cc) version of the 750S America, the Monza had started life as the 'Boxer' until complaints from Ferrari (whose sports car had prior claim to the name) forced a change. Cast-alloy wheels, triple Brembo disc brakes, and a fairing - all optional on the 750S America - usually came as standard on the Monza.

Motor Cycle magazine's John Nutting wrung 144mph out of a Monza, making it the fastest production machine in the world at that time. It was also the most expensive, costing almost twice as much as a comparable Japanese superbike. The Monza, though, would prove to be short-lived and relatively few were made; by 1977 MV's motorcycle division was in administrative receivership and production ceased at the end of the following year.

One of the last MVs to leave the Gallarate factory, 'XPK 333T' was first registered on 27th September 1978 and has covered a believed genuine 802 miles from new (not warranted). The MV is offered from the estate of a late important UK-based private collector, who purchased it in July 1994. The 1994 purchase receipt is on file together with a current V5C; copies of previous V5 registration documents; details of previous owners; and a sheet of hand-written notes concerning routine maintenance carried out in 2016/2017. Unused for some considerable time, the machine will require recommissioning or restoration to a greater or lesser extent and is sold strictly as viewed. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition and completeness prior to bidding.