Chassis: Frame No. LAV.750.C*8329*
Engine: 750*8329*
Extremely Rare as One of Only Approximately 80 Early Production 8000-Series SFCs
One of the Most Original Examples in Existence; Remained in Original Ownership for 35 Years
Documented by Accompanying Report by Marque Expert Ian Falloon; Retains Matching-Numbers Engine
Formerly Owned by the SFC Owner’s Registry Founder and Historian Marnix van der Schalk
Perhaps the Finest Remaining Example of an Endurance Racing Legend
744 CC SOHC Parallel-Twin 4-Stroke Engine
Twin Amal 1036 Concentric Carburetors
75 BHP at 7,400 RPM
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front and Rear Drum Brakes
Front Telescopic Fork
Rear Swing-Arm Suspension with Twin Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
“The first year of the parallel twin endurance legend. This very special example is nearly completely original in its classic orange livery, probably the most original SFC one could find.” -Adam Lindemann
In 1873, Pietro Laverda founded Laverda S.p.A. to make small engines for agricultural use in the village of Breganze, in northern Italy. Three quarters of a century later, his grandson Francesco founded Moto Laverda S.A.S. and built motorcycles to provide affordable transport in the immediate aftermath of WWII. Through the next several decades, the company designed and constructed motorcycles of ever-increasing capacity and capability, becoming known for exceptional build quality.
Encouraged by the racing success of its 750 S and 750 SF during 1969 and 1970, Laverda created the 750 SFC (C for Competizione) for 1971. This model has since become one of the most coveted and highly acclaimed motorcycles of all time, and the success of the SFC in endurance racing cemented Laverda’s reputation as one of the all-time great manufacturers.
The first 750 SFCs were the 5000 series, which began life as 750 SFs but were extensively modified by the competition department. Only around 20 were built. With the model’s immediate racing success, another batch, called the 8000 series, was built towards the end of 1971. Approximately 80 were built, including the example offered here. The 8000 series was more consistent in specification, and finished to a higher standard. These bikes featured new Mondial pistons, a polished crankshaft, larger valves, and a close-ratio gearbox, among many other improvements.
This sensational example left the Laverda factory in Breganze on January 13, 1972, and was delivered to Amedeo Motor in Messina, Sicily on February 4th. The first owner was Giovanni Battista Giuffrida of Catania. According to a report on file by marque expert Ian Falloon, Giuffrida used the SFC sparingly as a road bike until 2007, when it was purchased by noted Laverda SFC historian and SFC Owner’s Registry founder Marnix van der Schalk. The bike remained in original condition and was virtually unused until 2016, when it was purchased by Laverda SFC specialist Moto Borgotaro of Brooklyn, New York, before eventually being acquired by Adam Lindemann.
According to Falloon’s report, this example is one of very few 8000-series bikes that has survived intact, and retains its original matching-numbers engine, seat covering, controls, exhaust system with its original finish, and rare Amal carburetors in original condition.
Further supporting the 750 SFC’s unique condition, Falloon notes that it retains its original gelcoat finish on the tank and original painted fiberglass bodywork – the difference in the two paint types resulting in wonderfully varied shades of orange. It should be noted that, as can happen with early fiberglass tanks, the gas tank on this bike does leak some fuel.
Falloon concludes his report with his opinion that this is “an outstandingly original example of a very rare 1971 8000-series Laverda 750 SFC” believing that it “would have to be one of the finest original early Laverda 750 SFCs in existence.”
Accompanying the Laverda are several pieces of fascinating, rarely seen documentation. This includes the signed original Moto Laverda Certificato di Garanzia, as well as the signed and stamped 1972 Automobile Club d’Italia Foglio Complementare and Ministry of Transport Carta di Circolazione.
This 750 SFC is one of the most captivating and genuinely exciting motorcycles to be offered at public auction for many years. It is already highly prized as a rare 8000-series variant, but its glorious, remarkable original condition elevates it to another level entirely. Its known ownership history and rare early documentation further add to its allure, making it one of the most compelling motorcycles Gooding & Company has ever offered.
