Presenting a beautifully restored 1973 MV Agusta 750S, originally delivered to a German owner and later imported to the UK for restoration. The 750S was an iconic superbike of its era, renowned for its exceptional design and performance, though its high price tag limited its sales to just 583 units.

The MV Agusta 750S, introduced in 1970, was celebrated for its captivating styling, but its cost was a major deterrent for many enthusiasts as it was priced three times higher than the then-popular Honda CB750.

Key Points about the MV Agusta 750S:

• Limited Production: Only 583 examples of the MV Agusta 750S were manufactured between 1970 and 1975. This scarcity was not due to a lack of demand but rather the result of its significantly high price.
• Legacy of Success: MV Agusta had been developing transverse inline-four cylinder motorcycle engines since 1950. They recruited top engineers from Gilera and developed a powerful 500cc transverse inline-four that contributed to numerous victories in Grand Prix motorcycle races and championships.
• Powerful Performance: The 750S was equipped with a 743cc DOHC inline-four engine, capable of producing 72 bhp at 9,200 rpm, resulting in a top speed of 120 mph (200 km/h). This made it one of the fastest and most desirable production superbikes of its time.

The Fascinating Story of the MV Agusta 750S:

The MV Agusta 750S has a fascinating history dating back to the 1920s when two innovative Italian engineers, Carlo Gianini and Piero Remor, designed a groundbreaking 500cc SOHC inline-four cylinder motorcycle engine, producing 28 bhp—an impressive feat for that era.

Their creation was not the first inline-four engine for motorcycles, but it was the first transverse inline-four, arranged sideways across the frame. This innovation addressed the issues of extended wheelbase and inadequate cooling for the rear cylinders, commonly found in longitudinally mounted inline-fours.

Despite their groundbreaking work, Gianini and Remor faced funding challenges. Fortunately, aircraft engine manufacturer C.N.A. intervened, further developing the engine into a DOHC inline-four with liquid cooling and a supercharger, boosting its output to over 80 bhp. Named "Rondine," this engine powered bikes that secured top positions at the 1935 Tripoli Grand Prix.

Guiseppe Gilera of the Gilera motorcycle company later acquired the rights to the Rondine engine, using it in competitions until World War II disrupted motorcycle racing in Europe.

After WWII, a new transverse inline-four engine was designed from scratch, propelling Gilera riders to multiple victories and championships.

MV Augusta's Brilliant Coup:

In 1949, MV Agusta scored a strategic victory by attracting the chief engine designer and chief mechanic from the Gilera team—Piero Remor and Arturo Magni, both instrumental in creating the first transverse inline-four engine in the 1920s.

This move marked a significant achievement for MV Agusta. Together, Remor and Magni designed a new 500cc transverse four that bore a striking resemblance to their earlier Gilera design, leading some observers to speculate that parts might be interchangeable.

The newly developed engine showcased its prowess in competitions, contributing to MV Agusta's extensive record of 270 Grand Prix motorcycle race victories, 38 World Riders' Championships, and 37 World Constructors' Championships.

The Arrival of a Street-Legal MV Agusta Transverse Four:

Enthusiasts had long clamored for a street-legal version of the dominating MV Agusta race bikes, but the company initially resisted, possibly due to concerns about private racers potentially outperforming their factory race bikes.

In 1965, MV Agusta finally relented and introduced the MV Agusta 600, equipped with a 600cc version of their acclaimed transverse four. However, this cruiser-type motorcycle received mixed reviews for its aesthetics and performance and struggled to attract buyers.

Responding to public demand, MV Agusta eventually delivered the MV Agusta 750S in 1970. With its engine bored out to 743cc, the DOHC transverse four generated 72 bhp at 9,200 rpm and achieved a top speed of 120 mph (200 km/h). Priced at three times the cost of the Honda CB750, the MV Agusta 750S became a luxury product for the affluent few.

A Limited-Production Masterpiece:

Despite its exceptional performance, the MV Agusta 750S faced challenges in sales due to its high price, resulting in an annual production of just over 100 units over five years, culminating in a total of 583 units. Today, these motorcycles are highly sought after by collectors, commanding significant prices.

The 1973 MV Agusta 750S:

The 1973 MV Agusta 750S showcased here is one of the later models, featuring twin-front disc brakes, bigger Dell’Orto 27mm carburetors, larger valves, higher-performance camshafts, and an increased compression ratio. It boasts a full streamlined fairing and the SS1 competition carburetor set, which were expensive factory options at the time. Restored to its former glory, this bike will be up for auction with Silverstone Auctions on July 30th, with an estimated price guide of £60,000 – £70,000 ($77,000 – $89,800 USD). If you want to learn more about it or participate in the auction, you can visit the listing here.