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LOT 290

1969 Laverda 750 GT 'American Eagle' Registration no. PFJ 320G Frame no. LAV750 1648 Engine no. 750 1648

Sold for £3,220 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

1969 Laverda 750 GT 'American Eagle'
Registration no. PFJ 320G
Frame no. LAV750 1648
Engine no. 750 1648

• One of only some 150 made
• First registered in the UK in 2021
• Most collectible and sought after models

Shortly after the Laverda 750GT went on sale in Europe, McCormack International Motors Incorporated, a vehicle importing business, concluded a deal with the Italian factory to market the model in the USA under the 'American Eagle' brand name. Unfortunately for Jack McCormack, Laverda's 750 twins were soon upstaged by the four-cylinder Honda CB750, which was not only better specified but cheaper too, and only some 150 had been imported when McCormack went bust. With relatively few made and even fewer still in existence, the American Eagle is now one of Laverda's most collectible and sought after models.

American Eagle is also famous as having kick-started Evel Knievel's career. The brand sponsored the American stunt rider, who wore a distinctive jumpsuit and cape with the American Eagle logo across the front of his leathers and on his helmet. He used a modified American Eagle 750 to complete several record-breaking jumps, suffering some spectacular crashes. Eventually Harley-Davidson realised the marketing potential and provided Knievel with a Harley-Davidson XR750 for his jumps.

This very early US-market American Eagle 750 GT was first registered in the UK on 1st September 2021 and has had one former keeper in this country. Its history in the USA is unknown. There is a video of the machine running, available to view on the Bonhams website. The machine is offered with sundry invoices; photocopied technical literature; suspension instructions; owner's manual/parts list; repair guide; copy online advertisement; and a current V5C document. A 4" round brake light lamp lens is included in the sale.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

This lot is offered with keys.

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