LOT 442

1974 Benelli 500 Quattro Registration no. OIG 6250 Frame no. BA*1572* Engine no. BA*001681*

Sold for £3,450 inc. premium

Lot 442

1974 Benelli 500 Quattro

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1974 Benelli 500 Quattro
Registration no. OIG 6250
Frame no. BA1572
Engine no. BA001681

Revitalised after its takeover in 1971 by Argentine industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso, Benelli launched a range of new six- and four-cylinder sports bikes. First of these Honda-inspired machines was the 500 Quattro of 1974, which despite its Oriental-looking power unit was thoroughly Italian in all other respects, boasting a rigid cradle frame, powerful Grimeca drum brakes and alloy wheel rims. The front drum had been replaced by Brembo discs and the model name changed to '504 Sport' by the time Bike magazine got its hands on one in 1979. "Riding the Sport is a trip," enthused Britain's No. 1 motorcycling journal. "In common with most of its Italian compadres, the Benelli delivers handling that is parsecs ahead of the dominant Japanese motorcycles." The fact that importers Agrati Sales sold so few in the UK was entirely down to the price: at £1,636 the Benelli was a massive 33% more expensive than Kawasaki's Z500!

First registered in the UK in 2014, this Benelli 500 Quattro displays a total of 6,734 kilometres on the odometer, although it is not known whether this is from new. The Benelli has been owned by the current vendor since importation, and has been used sparingly while in his care; it has been dry stored since purchase and was last run earlier this year. Benefiting from a new battery, the machine comes with a V5C document.
Offered with key

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

There is no battery fitted with the lot.

Additional information

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