1990 Moto Guzzi 949cc Mille GT
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. VH 33598
Engine no. VIA 025121

An engine design that originated in the late 1940s, Moto Guzzi's venerable 90-degree v-twin is still around today powering the latest generation of superbikes from Mandello del Lario. The first motorcycle to use Guzzi's v-twin appeared in the late 1960s in the form of the 703cc V7, and this remarkable engine would prove exceptionally versatile, being enlarged beyond 1,000cc and powering machines of all kinds ranging from the super-sports Le Mans to the automatic transmission Convert tourer. Introduced in 1987, the retro-styled Mille GT, with its wire-spoked wheels and lack of a fairing, recalled the looks of the first of this long-running series of tourers – the 850T – that had debuted back in 1974. The Mille GT engine used smaller valves than the more sporting versions and produced its maximum of 67bhp at 6,700rpm, which was good enough for a top speed of around 120mph. Noteworthy features included improved switch gear from the Le Mans V superbike and Guzzi's traditional integrated braking system.

This Mille GT was operated originally by the Italian Police before passing to a Dutch dealer and then the current vendor, its second owner. The machine currently displays a total of circa 83,300 kilometres on the odometer (approximately 51,700 miles) and is offered with sundry bills and Netherlands registration papers.