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2011 Shannons Collector and Muscle Car Auction at MotorEx
Lot
17

1976 MV Agusta 350 S Ipotesi Motorcycle

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine 2-cylinder 349cc
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Colour Red

Description

This lot is no longer available

Meccanica Verghera (MV) was conceived by Count Domenico Agusta following World War 2. Starting in Northern Italy they released their first model in 1945, powered by a 98cc engine.

In future years the brand became synonymous with bike racing, as between 1958 and 1974 they won 17 consecutive world championships in the 500cc class. Looking at that list of champions reveals a who's who of motorcycle stars- Surtees, Hailwood, and Agostini being the most prominent.

The Milan motorcycle show in 1969 saw the introduction of a 'middleweight' sized 350cc twin-cylinder Sports bike that could reach almost 100mph. This was superseded by the 350 S Ipotesi in 1975, which further refined the formula and made for a charismatic road bike even though it was in the shadow of the monstrous 750cc bikes.

By this stage, after the Count's passing in 1971, the company began to struggle with its future direction and they could no longer compete against the increased foreign competition. Sadly, the original MV Agusta brand closed its doors in early 1978.