LOT 639

Property of a deceased's estate 1978 Laverda 981cc 3CL Registration no. WUF 980S Frame no. LAV.1000 6051 Engine no. 1000 6051

Sold for £17,250 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 639

Property of a deceased's estate, 1978 Laverda 981cc 3CL
Registration no. WUF 980S Frame no. LAV.1000 6051 Engine no. 1000 6051

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

Property of a deceased's estate
1978 Laverda 981cc 3CL
Registration no. WUF 980S
Frame no. LAV.1000 6051
Engine no. 1000 6051

Introduced in 1972, the '3C' was the first of Laverda's much admired family of classic three-cylinder 'muscle bikes' that would do so much to establish its reputation as one of Italy's foremost purveyors of high-performance motorcycles. Displacing 981cc, the new engine had a character all its own. No longer conceived along Honda lines like its twin-cylinder predecessors, Laverda's triple was a twin-overhead-camshaft design with 180-degree 'flat' crankshaft. Following the introduction of the Slater Brothers-inspired Jota super sports version, the 3C continued as the 3CL sports-tourer, with the 80bhp engine and 125mph capability; and although slightly slower than the Jota, the less highly-stressed 3CL is considered by many Laverda aficionados to be the more enjoyable machine to ride. The vendor advises us that this one-owner Laverda 3Cl has been stood for the last five years and was last started around three years ago, the engine having been turned over regularly. Last taxed in 2012, the Laverda has covered only 15,438 miles from new and would respond well to detailing. Offered for re-commissioning, this collectible Italian superbike comes with old V5/V5C documents and two MoTs (most recent expired 2007).

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

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 639: click here. Although presented to Bonhams as a 3CL model, this motorcycle has numerous Jota characteristics – 'Jota' badges on the side panels being the most obvious – and has since been confirmed as a 'Gold Jota' by Richard Slater of former Laverda importers Slater Brothers, originators of the Jota concept. Nevertheless, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's identity, correctness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-123) the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first £10,000 of the hammer price 25% on the excess of £10,001 and up to £450,000 of the hammer price 20% on the excess of £450,001 and up to £4,500,000 of the hammer price 14.5% on the excess of £4,500,001.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-254 & 501-708) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles