The Staffordshire County Fairgrounds will host, on April 25 and 26, a new edition of the International Classic Motorcycle Show. Without a doubt, an event that is predicted to be essential for lovers of 2 wheels with history. As is tradition, the exhibition will be combined with the spring auction organized by Bonhamswhich will put more than 350 lots on the table between competition motorcycles, road models and collectors’ pieces.
But, as we are telling you, in the center of all eyes will be an epic MV Agusta 1965 Grand Prix, equipped with a 4-cylinder, 500 cc engine. It is one of the most exclusive machines from the golden era of the championship, with an estimated value ranging between 185,000 and 255,000 euros.
The most striking thing is not only its rarity, but its possible link with 2 of the greatest legends of motorcycling: hailwoodwhich that year achieved its 4th consecutive title in the premier category, and Agostiniwho finished the year as runner-up.
Secrets of the MV Agusta 1965 by Hailwood
The authenticity of this piece has been verified by Enrico Sironidirector of MV Agusta Museumand its history adds even more value. It was acquired in 1986 by John Surteeschampion on both 2 and 4 wheels, who kept and exhibited it for years. It later passed into private hands in 2005, after a meticulous restoration that respected practically all of its original components, including such unique technical details as the rectangular section swingarm introduced in the latest evolutions of the model.
But be careful, next to it, another piece of enormous historical weight. We talk about the Suzuki RG500 XR14 with which Barry Sheene It dominated the 1977 season. This machine, also without a reserve price and with an estimate of between 185,000 and 230,000 euros, represents one of the most iconic moments in British motorcycling.
It is one of the only 2 official units used by Sheene during that campaign, in which he achieved 6 victories in 11 races to secure the world title.
The unit in question, identified by the chassis number RG500-1201is not only documented in official archives of suzukibut also appears in practically the same state in which it competed for the last time. It has not been seen in public for almost 40 years, further increasing its collector appeal.
Both motorcycles are part of the so-called “The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II“, one of the highlights of the auction. If you are lucky enough to be there, during the weekend they will remain exposed to the public before going out to bid in a calendar that will start on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and continue on Sunday from 11:30 a.m.
The general exhibition, for its part, will be open both days between 9:00 and 17:00.
