1975 Laverda SFC Elettronica

• Ultra-rare production racer
• Officially imported by Slater Brothers
• One of only seven official UK imports
• Matching numbers
• Present ownership since 2011

"Thus impetuously and unquestionably, the 750 Laverda took its rightful place among the élite of the world's motor cycles. Designed as a highway express, and proven in the most punishing of long-distance races, it was fast, tireless and very well behaved, a machine of connoisseur quality." - L J K Setright, On Two Wheels.

Founded in 1873, Laverda started out making farm machinery, only turning to motorcycle manufacture in the immediate aftermath of WW2. Its first product, the 75cc Motoleggera (lightweight motorcycle) helped meet the unprecedented upsurge in demand for basic motorised transport, and modified versions were soon winning their class in the long-distance road races popular at the time. Lightweights, scooters and mopeds continued to form the mainstay of Laverda production up to the late 1960s when the small Italian concern, hitherto little known outside its home country, astonished the motorcycling world by introducing a 650cc parallel twin. Launched in 1968, the latter was a controversial design, appearing to have been closely based on the Honda CB72 and CB77 twins. After fewer than 100 had been made the engine was taken out to 750cc and a team of 650 and 750 Laverdas duly walked away with the 1968 Giro d'Italia.

That first 750 GT touring model spawned the 750 SF sports roadster in 1971. 'SF' stood for Super Freni (super brakes) and marked a switch from Grimeca stoppers to Laverda's own superior drum brakes. Introduced at the same time was the 750 SFC - Super Freni Competizione - a thinly disguised racer that soon came to dominate the endurance races of the day. Built in strictly limited numbers - only 549 were produced in five batches between 1971 and 1976 - the 750 SFC production racer is today one of the most collectible of Laverda's early twins and thus highly sought after.

This genuine 750 SFC, frame and engine number '18380', is confirmed as such by a photocopy of the original factory Nota di Consegna No. 364, dated 13th May 1975, which records Motociclo Laverda 750cc SFC Matricola no. '18380'. It belongs to the final '18000' or Elettronica series, so called because it had Bosch electronic ignition, which commenced manufacture in the spring of 1975. The final batch of machines was delivered in 1976.

The aforementioned document is addressed to the UK importer Slater Brothers, who played a pivotal role in Laverda's competition success and reputation in Britain. The machine was dispatched from the factory by Dino Bertin, together with other consignments to the Slaters. Richard Slater has confirmed that this is a genuine SFC, one of two on the aforementioned consignment note, and one of only seven officially imported into the UK (see letter on file).

The accompanying history file contains Made in Italy Motorcycles' purchase invoice made out to the current owner in 2011, since when the Laverda has formed part of his important private collection. Prior to that, it was owned (from 2000) by Massimo Sabbion of London, with eight previous recorded keepers stated on the accompanying V5C. Since acquisition the engine has been refreshed and the cylinder head rebuilt, as evidenced by Made in Italy's invoice dated February 2012 on file.

We are advised by the vendor that the left-side fuel tap on this otherwise standard road-going example does not currently switch to reserve. The Laverda is offered with its key and the aforementioned documentation. A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine SFC with confirmed factory documentation and UK delivery provenance.
Offered with key