Much like Enzo Ferrari’s road cars, the Agusta brothers built and sold road-going motorcycles to fund their racing endeavors. In 1952, MV Agusta introduced its brilliant single overhead cam, 175 cc model and, in various configurations, the lightweight 175 became both a racing and sales success. Models fitted with the distinctive larger tank, such as the example offered here, are referred to as the “flying saucer,” or “Disco Volante.” The bulge in the tank had a practical purpose – to hold additional fuel – but in typical fashion, the company accomplished the goal in the most elegant way possible.

This particular “Disco Volante” is an extremely rare Earles Fork Super Sport model, of which just 500 were built. The consignor discovered this motorcycle in Torino, Italy, in 2022, following its restoration and years of public display. He states that marque authorities have noted that the frame and engine numbers fall in their proper related sequence and that this particular example likely never raced in period, helping preserve its overall condition. Appearing today as midcentury functional art, and retaining its extremely rare steel fuel tank and seldom-seen Dell’Orto carburetor, this recently serviced “Disco Volante” is an outstanding example of one of the most attractive and collectible small-displacement Italian motorcycles of the 1950s.

Please note that this vehicle is titled as 419476.