Formerly the property of Alan Cathcart, 2000 MV Agusta 750cc F4S

• Personally signed by Massimo Tamburini and Claudio Castiglioni
• Only 2,432 miles from new
• Carefully stored in heated private collection
• Comprehensive history file

It was every motorcycle enthusiast's fervent hope that, having bought the rights to arguably the most famous and charismatic name in motorcycle racing history, Cagiva would not let the MV marque remain dormant for long. MV became part of the Cagiva group in 1991 and sure enough, before the decade's end its unmistakable emblem was once again adorning the flanks of one of the world's most fabulous motorcycles – the F4.

Introduced to the public at the 1998 Milan Show, the F4 has already become part of MV legend. In a publicity masterstroke, the factory announced that, most unusually, production would commence with a limited edition run of just 300 very special F4s – the 'Serie Oro' (Gold Series). Production, at the leisurely rate of just three machines per day, commenced late in 1999 at MV's new factory at Cassinetta di Biandronno, Varese. Once the batch of Serie Oro models had been completed, the factory commenced manufacture of the mainstream F4S (Strada).

Designed by Massimo Tamburini, creator of the Ducati 916, the F4 employs a tubular-steel trellis frame, broadly similar to the Ducati's, beneath which hangs the water-cooled double-overhead-camshaft 16-valve engine. The latter was designed by Ferrari and is unique among modern multi-cylinder motorcycle engines in so far as each cylinder's four valves are disposed radially, rather than as opposed pairs. Equipped with a state-of-the-art Weber-Marelli engine management system, this lightweight and compact power unit produces a class-leading 135bhp. A cassette-type six-speed gearbox enables ratio changes to be made without splitting the engine.

But above all else, it is the F4's inspired styling that stands out. Now more than two decades old, the F4 would still look futuristic if it were to be released as a new model today. It remains a most fitting tribute to the genius of the late Massimo Tamburini.

One of the very first batch of F4S production models, this example was owned new by prominent motorcycling journalist and classic racer Alan Cathcart, and has been personally autographed by both Massimo Tamburini and MV Agusta CEO Claudio Castiglioni (photograph on file). It has since covered just 2,432 miles from new and remains in outstanding, well-preserved condition.

Documentation includes an old-style V5 in Alan Cathcart's name; old tax discs; MV Certificate of Conformity; old MoT certificates, the most recent from May 2022 showing the mileage at 2,423 miles; and a May 2022 J C Motorcycles recommissioning invoice for brake fluid change, new tyres, oil filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, fresh coolant, etc totally £812. The tank also has a Giacomo Agostini waterslide signature.

Acquired by the current vendor at Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale in April 2022, where it was offered from another significant private collection, this exceptional example has since been carefully stored in the vendor's heated collection and is presented in virtually 'as new' condition.
Offered with key