LOT 465
1955 MV Agusta 123.5cc Monoalbero Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 150127 Engine no. 150124
Estimate: £19,000 - £24,000
Lot 465
1955 MV Agusta 123.5cc Monoalbero Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. not registered Frame no. 150127 Engine no. 150124
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1955 MV Agusta 123.5cc Monoalbero Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 150127
Engine no. 150124
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 150127
Engine no. 150124
• Delivered new to the UK
• In-period Isle of Man TT participation (1961 Lightweight 125 TT)
• Four owners from new
• Restored in the 1990s
For 1953, MV offered an over-the-counter '125' racer for privateers, which was developed directly from the works bikes. Italian regulations for the domestic Formula Sport stipulated that machines should have only a single camshaft and four gears, and so the monoalbero (single-camshaft) '125' racer was born. Like its bialbero (twin-cam) progenitor, the SOHC '125' employed a train of gears to drive its upstairs cam. Bore and stroke were 53x56mm and the motor breathed via a 27mm Dell'Orto racing carburettor, eventually producing a maximum of 16bhp at 10,300rpm. The cycle parts were virtually an exact copy of the '52 works bikes', featuring a tubular duplex loop frame, telescopic front fork with central hydraulic damper, and swinging-arm rear suspension. Brakes were full-width aluminium-alloy: 7" diameter at the front, 6" at the rear. Dry weight was 165lb and the top speed over 90mph. Because Italy's long-distance road races, such as the Moto Giro d'Italia and Milan-Taranto required that machines be street legal and possess lights, a flywheel generator formed part of the specification. The MV Agusta monoalbero '125' racer proved an enormous success, remaining in production until 1956 and continuing to offer privateers a competitive ride in the 125cc class for many years thereafter.
First owner Ross Porter of Spalding used this monoalbero up to 1958 when it was acquired by Chris Percival of Dunstable. In December 1959 the MV passed to the third owner, Peter Munday, from whom it was purchased by the current vendor in 2017. While owned by Peter Munday, the MV enjoyed some successes at national and international level, until an engine failure at Silverstone in early 1962 enforced its retirement. The monoalbero was then stored until 'unearthed' in 1990 and restored, the rebuild being completed in 1996. Subsequently the MV was paraded and shown in both the UK and Europe, while 'Classic Parade' laps of the TT course were completed in 2005 and the centenary year of 2007 (its last outing).
Since its acquisition by the vendor, the MV has won a 'Highly Commended' award at the Southern Classic Off-road & Racing Show (in 2018). It has not been started since acquisition and its mechanical condition is not known. A quantity of spare parts is included in the sale (list available).
• In-period Isle of Man TT participation (1961 Lightweight 125 TT)
• Four owners from new
• Restored in the 1990s
For 1953, MV offered an over-the-counter '125' racer for privateers, which was developed directly from the works bikes. Italian regulations for the domestic Formula Sport stipulated that machines should have only a single camshaft and four gears, and so the monoalbero (single-camshaft) '125' racer was born. Like its bialbero (twin-cam) progenitor, the SOHC '125' employed a train of gears to drive its upstairs cam. Bore and stroke were 53x56mm and the motor breathed via a 27mm Dell'Orto racing carburettor, eventually producing a maximum of 16bhp at 10,300rpm. The cycle parts were virtually an exact copy of the '52 works bikes', featuring a tubular duplex loop frame, telescopic front fork with central hydraulic damper, and swinging-arm rear suspension. Brakes were full-width aluminium-alloy: 7" diameter at the front, 6" at the rear. Dry weight was 165lb and the top speed over 90mph. Because Italy's long-distance road races, such as the Moto Giro d'Italia and Milan-Taranto required that machines be street legal and possess lights, a flywheel generator formed part of the specification. The MV Agusta monoalbero '125' racer proved an enormous success, remaining in production until 1956 and continuing to offer privateers a competitive ride in the 125cc class for many years thereafter.
First owner Ross Porter of Spalding used this monoalbero up to 1958 when it was acquired by Chris Percival of Dunstable. In December 1959 the MV passed to the third owner, Peter Munday, from whom it was purchased by the current vendor in 2017. While owned by Peter Munday, the MV enjoyed some successes at national and international level, until an engine failure at Silverstone in early 1962 enforced its retirement. The monoalbero was then stored until 'unearthed' in 1990 and restored, the rebuild being completed in 1996. Subsequently the MV was paraded and shown in both the UK and Europe, while 'Classic Parade' laps of the TT course were completed in 2005 and the centenary year of 2007 (its last outing).
Since its acquisition by the vendor, the MV has won a 'Highly Commended' award at the Southern Classic Off-road & Racing Show (in 2018). It has not been started since acquisition and its mechanical condition is not known. A quantity of spare parts is included in the sale (list available).
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.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 9 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 10 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
