LOT 67 *N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II c.1979 MBA 50cc 'UFO' Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. MBA007 Engine no. MBA07

Sold for £12,650 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 67^*,N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II, c.1979 MBA 50cc 'UFO' Racing Motorcycle

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|25 April 2026, 14:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II
c.1979 MBA 50cc 'UFO' Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. MBA007
Engine no. MBA07

The Lot is from outside the UK. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.

If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.

MBA (initially Morbidelli Benelli Armi and later Motori Benelli Armi) was founded towards the end of 1975 to manufacture production versions of Morbidelli's successful 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix racers. Morbidelli had been founded in Pesaro, Italy by Giancarlo Morbidelli, whose line of business was manufacturing woodworking machinery that provided the means to fund his passion for motorcycle racing.

Morbidelli's first foray into Grand Prix racing came in 1969 with a 50cc single designed by Franco Rhingini, which was followed by a 125cc twin. Jorg Möller, previously with Kreidler, joined the team as chief engineer in 1974 and rewarded his employers with their first World Championship in '75, Paolo Pileri taking the 125cc title. Pileri was 125cc World Champion again in 1976, while the following year would turn out to be Morbidelli's most successful, the Italian manufacturer taking the 125cc and 250cc World Championships with Pier Paolo Bianchi and Mario Lega respectively, while Eugenio Lazzarini added another 125cc title in 1978.

By this time Morbidelli's joint venture with Benelli was well under way and more than half the 125cc grid at Grands Prix would be mounted on MBA machinery, a situation that continued well into the 1980s. Minarelli and Garelli, though, would be the dominant forces in the 125cc class, restricting MBA to one further riders' World Championship (1980: Bianchi) and one manufacturer's title in 1985.

Unfortunately, nothing is known about the history of this 50cc MBA racer (the engine turns over). Notable features include a 16,000 rpm tachometer; Brembo brake calipers; Grimeca brake master cylinder; Krober ignition; Marzocchi rear suspension; and what appear to be Campagnolo magnesium wheels.

Offered without documents. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the track and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required

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.

Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 25 April, with the auction starting at 2:30pm BST.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
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VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

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*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.