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2014 Shannons Sydney Late Spring Classic Auction
Lot
G

c1976 MV Agusta 350cc S Ipotesi Motorcycle

$11,000

Sold

Specifications

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

Description

This lot is no longer available

One of the most famous names in Italian motorcycling history, the Meccanica Verghera concern can trace its history back to 1945 when the first two-wheeled machine to bear the MV moniker appeared. Badged the 98, this was a modest scooter designed to meet the need for cheap transportation, with the MV Company looking to diversify away from its principal base in the aeronautical industry. MV quickly expanded the model range to include more sporting machines and established a reputation for building winning race bikes. MV officially began racing in 1946 but it was the new four-stroke 125cc single and 500cc four-cylinder machines of 1950 that put the brand on the map, the latter giving Les Graham and John Surtees world titles. In future years the brand became synonymous with bike racing, winning 17 consecutive world championships in the 500cc class between 1958 and 1978. 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 This was superseded by the 350 S Ipotesi in 1975, which further refined the formula and made for a charismatic road bike even though it was in the shadow of the monstrous 750cc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. Initially conceived as a styling exercise, the Ipotesi (Hypothesis in Italian) debuted at the 1973 Milan Motorcycle Show and was designed by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro, the combination of angles and horizontal lines very much in keeping with styling trends of the day. The cradle duplex frame was a new design and the engine, although based on the previous 350cc twin, had new, squared-off outer casings. Alloy wheels and disc brakes further modernized the MV's look. Entering production in 1975, the Ipotesi was badged as the 350 'S' but the decision to cease production a couple of years later cut short the model's career. 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, closing its doors in early 1978.