Chassis: Frame No. MV 750 2210184
Engine: *221 0126*
Represents the Engineering Genius of Arturo Magni, the Legendary Head of MV’s Racing Department
Remained in Single Enthusiast Ownership from 1976–2020
Features Magni Frame, Swing-Arm, Chain-Drive Conversion, and Magni/Ceriani-Style Drum Brakes
Documented with a Report by Marque Expert Ian Falloon
A Rare Opportunity to Acquire One of the Most Exotic Motorcycles of the 1970s
789 CC Air-Cooled DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder 4-Stroke Engine
Four Dell’Orto VHB26DS Carburetors
75 BHP at 8,500 RPM
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front and Rear Drum Brakes
Front Telescopic Fork Suspension
Rear Swing-Arm Suspension with Twin Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
“Arturo Magni, the former head of MV racing, started his own company and turned the MV four-cylinder into a real performance machine with a custom frame and chain drive. This bike, equipped with very special drum brakes, represents the pinnacle of Italian style and muscle and is one of the most special and beautiful motorcycles of the 1970s.” -Adam Lindemann
In 1907, Sicilian aristocrat Count Giovanni Agusta founded the Agusta Aeronautics Company near Palermo, Italy, a mere four years after Orville and Wilbur Wright’s famous flight at Kitty Hawk. Post WWII, the factory retooled to produce affordable, high-quality motorcycles. The company soon began building impressive racing machines as well, and its renowned precision engineering meant that they soon dominated the Grand Prix circuit. The company won 37 World Championship titles before it withdrew from competition in 1976, with an astonishing 270 race wins – a record unlikely to ever be repeated.
Much like Enzo Ferrari, MV Agusta built road-going machines as a means of funding its racing efforts. In the 1970s, the company began building exotic DOHC, four-cylinder bikes and they were among the first true “superbikes” – the motorcycle equivalent of Lamborghini’s Miura or Ferrari’s Daytona – with gorgeous styling and extreme straight-line performance.
In reality, however, the design of the MV four-cylinder meant its handling was somewhat compromised. The engine was deep and tall, requiring high-frame mounting, which created a high center of gravity. The bikes were also fitted with a shaft drive to deter customers from converting them into racers. This meant the bikes never handled as well as enthusiasts wanted. The result was an industry that produced performance upgrades, including frames and even fully built “specials.” The most famous and highly regarded manufacturer was founded by Arturo Magni, who designed frames, parts, and conversion kits, creating some of the most incredible sporting bikes the world had ever seen. The company was particularly known for its unique, lightweight chrome-moly frames that featured detachable side cradles for easy engine removal and racing-style geometry.
Magni was the head of MV Agusta’s racing department throughout their glory years of the 1960s and 1970s and was responsible for much of the company’s unparalleled competition success. Most Magni MVs were based on the 750 S America and they differed in specification depending on owner preferences. They were all characterized by wonderful attention to detail and as a result, Magni MVs are highly sought after by astute collectors. These motorcycles represent the end of an artisan era in Italy and every component was manufactured in-house at the Magni workshop in Samarate.
According to the report on file by marque expert Ian Falloon, this impressive example was owned by enthusiast Christian Perrier of Le Bourget du Lac in France from 1976 until 2020, when it was purchased by MV specialist Moto Borgotaro of Brooklyn, New York, and then sold to the consignor, who had always longed for one of these exotic machines. The bike’s build recalls MV’s classic Grand Prix racers, featuring Borrani wire wheels and Magni/Ceriani-style racing drum brakes. Its lighter, superior frame and chain-drive conversion provide much improved performance over a standard MV Agusta 750 S America.
In his report, Falloon states his opinion that “the engine and frame numbers confirm this Magni MV Agusta began life as a 1975 MV Agusta 750 S America and the identification plate indicates it was possibly originally German-delivered.” According to Falloon, the bike received its Magni conversion early on in its life, including a Magni frame and swing-arm, chain-drive and right-side gearshift conversion, Ceriani racing fork, KONI shock absorbers, and Magni bespoke bodywork.
This sensational, beautifully presented motorcycle highlights the craftsmanship, build quality, and legendary engineering expertise of Arturo Magni. Its countless handcrafted details are fascinating to behold and the exhaust note emanating from its four specially designed Lafranconi pipes is one of the greatest of all time. Magni MV Agustas are some of the most coveted motorcycles in the world, and this example would be at home in the world’s finest collections.
*Please note that this vehicle is titled as a 1976 Agusta and as 220184DGM.
