1976 Laverda 981cc Jota

Registration no. MGK 980V Frame no. 4259 Engine no. 4259

• Ex-Mick Hunt
• Offered with letter from Steve Wynne
• Used during the 1978 F1TT

Laverda had been racing its 3C since introduction, but UK importer Roger Slater also worked with his own dynamometer to break the 90bhp mark using factory 4/C cams and high compression pistons, but most especially a unique exhaust system. Roger persuaded the factory to allow him to have an exclusive new model built to this specification in an exclusive range of colours and to be called the Jota, after a Spanish tune in triple time.

The factory agreed, despite being confused by the name – there is no J in the Italian alphabet – and Roger commissioned Tim Healey – better known for his work on Ariel Square Fours - to manufacture the exhaust system.

The first Jotas arrived in the UK in December 1975 and soon amassed an impressive competition record, winning the coveted Avon production title in its debut year. Most significantly the Jota scorched its way into every motorcyclist's imagination when Motor Cycle declared it the world's fastest road bike, the Jota tripping the MIRA speed trap at over 140mph, a figure barely credible at the time.

The following year (1977) Jotas had a successful showing in the first ever Formula 1 TT. In atrocious weather Mick Hunt, riding in the famous Sports Motorcycles colours, brought home the first Jota in sixth place. This was no soft result: competitors included Phil Read and Stan Woods on factory Hondas; in his Laverda book Mick Walker refers to this race as "the Jota's finest racing day."

In the famous 1978 F1TT Mick's Jota was initially well placed but didn't make the finish and following a crash his 1976 Jota was retired. It was registered for the road in 1979 by Motodd who fitted 1979 wheels and forks.

Bonhams are delighted to offer this very Jota, confirmed as Mick Hunt's race bike by Steve Wynne of Sports Motorcycles' fame. The bike is cosmetically a little weary but apparently still rides and runs well, repainted in its original silver. Intriguingly there is what Roger Slater refers to as a "safe repair" to the frame's top tube: however rumour had it that racing Jotas' top frame tube were occasionally cut and shut to improve handling and Phil Todd has confirmed he did have such modifications carried out to other Jotas by Maidstone Motoliner.

This is a unique opportunity to own perhaps the most famous examples of one of the world's most famous motorcycles. It is sold with a key and V5C, together with a copy of Motodd's original registration document, factory delivery note and letter from Steve Wynne.
Offered with key