1979 Laverda 500cc Montjuic Mark 1

• Purchased as a 'basket case' in 2019
• Restored condition
• Extensively paraded
• Signed by the late Phil Read

In 1978 a Laverda Formula 500 racer was imported by the UK Laverda concessionaire, Roger Slater, the man largely responsible for the Jota, who believed that a 'civilised' café racer had greater sales potential than the rather lacklustre and expensive Alpino from which the Formula 500 had been derived. Slater retained the stock Alpino fuel tank but equipped his new baby with a bikini fairing and solo racing seat manufactured in the UK by Screen & Plastics. Finished in 'Jota Orange', the new model was named 'Montjuic' in honour of Laverda's race victories at the eponymous Spanish circuit, while a loud, matt black, megaphone exhaust system further enhanced the racing connection. Focused on performance to the exclusion of almost everything else, the Montjuic was defiantly 'hard core' at a time when motorcycles were becoming ever more refined. No wonder it was so popular.

The early Mk 1 example is one of the first batch of 200 into the UK and the example offered here was purchased in 2019 in bits as a 'basket case' (purchase receipt on file). However, most of the engine parts were there and even a few spares. The engine has been completely rebuilt with a rebore, high-compression pistons, and all new bearing, seals, etc and a new cam chain fitted, while the tricky job of setting valve clearances was done several times before satisfaction. The twin-cam 8-valve engine also features re-profiled cams and new Elektronik Sachse ignition.

The original alloy wheels were professionally refurbished, fitted with new bearings, and shod with race compound Continental tyres. The original 254mm front discs were replaced with 260mm Brembo units and twin-pot Brembo calipers, while the rear brake is the standard 254mm disc but using a new Brembo caliper, all with stainless steel lines.

The petrol tank was repainted and painted in the original Laverda Orange together with the side panels, new custom seat, and new faring. The Marzocchi forks were totally overhauled and all new seals and new headstock bearings. New footrest mounts and brackets were made by hand, as was the exhaust system, which features removable baffles for racing. The Montjuic has been paraded at various classic events at Donington Park, Cadwell Park, Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Mallory Park, Castle Combe, and Darley Moor. The late Phil Read signed the seat tail at the Bristol Classic Bike Show in 2021. The machine also comes with DVLA correspondence, Laverda IOC dating letter, CRMC Registration Certificate, and a V5C.