1953 MV Agusta 125cc Monoalbero Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 150001 (see text)
Engine no. 150001 (see text)

• Successful 125cc racer for privateers
• An older restoration
• Rumoured to be ex-Carlo Ubialli (see text)

For 1953, MV offered an over-the-counter '125' racer for privateers, which was developed directly from the works bikes. Italian regulations for the domestic Formula Sport stipulated that machines should have only a single camshaft and four gears, and so the monoalbero (single-camshaft) '125' racer was born. Like its bialbero (twin-cam) progenitor, the SOHC '125' employed a train of gears to drive its upstairs cam. Bore and stroke were 53x56mm and the motor breathed via a 27mm Dell'Orto racing carburettor, eventually producing a maximum of 16bhp at 10,300rpm. The cycle parts were virtually an exact copy of the '52 works bikes', featuring a tubular duplex loop frame, telescopic front fork with central hydraulic damper, and swinging-arm rear suspension. Brakes were full-width aluminium-alloy: 7" diameter at the front, 6" at the rear. Dry weight was 165lb and the top speed over 90mph (145km/h). Because Italy's long-distance road races, such as the Moto Giro d'Italia and Milan-Taranto required that machines be street legal and possess lights, a flywheel generator could form part of the specification. The MV Agusta monoalbero '125' racer proved an enormous success, remaining in production until 1956 and continuing to offer privateers a competitive ride in the 125cc class for many years thereafter.

This MV Agusta monoalbero is an older restoration (images are on file of the machine prior to restoration). The machine is rumoured to be ex-Carlo Ubialli but there is no evidence to support this assertion. It should also be noted that the frame and engine numbers are not stamped in the usual factory manner.

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.