1958 MV Agusta 125cc Turismo Rapido Extra Frame no. 636996 Engine no. 636702

1958 MV Agusta 125cc Turismo Rapido Extra Frame no. 636996 Engine no. 636702 After the launch of its first production four-stroke - a 175cc, overhead-camshaft, unit-construction single - MV followed up in 1954 with the similar - although overhead-valve - Gran Turismo 125. Superseded in 1955 by the Turismo Rapido, featuring a revise rear sub-frame and a dual seat in place of its predecessor's sprung saddle, the model remained in production until 1958. Like their larger siblings, the small MVs were very expensive: at around £200 the Turismo Rapido cost as much as a British 500, which explains why so few of these the exquisitely engineered little bikes were sold in the UK. This Turismo Rapido Extra was stripped and restored in 2019; sadly, the owner died before he was able to finish it. The MV appears complete apart from lacking a speedometer, tank transfers, and some electrical wiring. The engine turns over with compression and the gears engage, and the machine would respond well from detailing. There is no import paperwork or any other documentation with this Lot. The vendor has had the machine running recently. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com