Lot 461: MV Agusta 125 GTL
Having commenced motorcycle production late in 1945 with a 98cc two-stroke, Meccanica Verghera (MV) introduced its first production four-strokes, a brace of 175cc singles, at the Milan Show in 1952, the newcomers’ advanced overhead-cam, unit-construction engine setting them apart from most of the opposition. The first 125cc production roadster - the Gran Turismo - appeared in 1954 with single-cylinder overhead-valve engine, a format MV’s 125 would retain until the end of production in 1977/78.
Disappointed by the poor sales of its 1960 line-up, which featured a trio of newcomers with engines displacing 99, 235 and 300cc respectively, MV Agusta returned to the more traditional capacity classes in 1961, launching the all-new Centomila in 125 and 150cc variants. They were powered by an overhead-valve four-stroke single built in unit with a four-speed gearbox, which went into MV’s familiar set of lightweight cycle parts. At the 1965 Milan Show the 125/150 range was updated with five-speed gearboxes, the 125 being offered in two guises: GT, with 8bhp engine, and the more sporting GTL, which had 9.6 horsepower on tap.
Like their larger siblings, the small MVs were very expensive – typically costing as much as a British 500 in the UK - which explains why so few of these the exquisitely engineered little bikes were sold in this country.
This MV Agusta 125 GTL was in original and unrestored condition when it was imported from the USA in 2006. Since then the machine has undergone a two-year rebuild to original specification and has not been used on the road, only taken to shows. Presented in running order and ready for the road, it comes with MV Owners’ Club dating letter and fresh MoT facilitating its registration in the UK.
| Auction |
Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia Bonhams, Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate |
|---|---|
| Type | Motorcycle |
| Lot Number | 461 |
| Outcome | SOLD |
| Hammer Price | £2500 |
| Hammer Price (inc premium) | £2875 |
| Year | 1970 |
| Condition rating | 0 |
| Registration number | |
| Mileage | - |
| Chassis number | 660285 |
| Engine number | 658078 |
| Engine capacity (cc) | |
| Engine - cylinders | |
| Number of doors |