An ultra-rare 1977 MV Agusta 832cc Boxer motorcycle, originally loaned to World Champion motorcyclist Phil Read will be in the ring at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale on 23-24 April 2022, with an estimate of £40,000 – 50,000.
The four-cylinder Italian Superbike was one of only two Boxers imported into Britain before the model’s name was changed back to ‘Monza’ due to complaints from Ferrari, whose ‘Boxer’ sports car had prior claim to the name.
The culmination of MV Agusta’s four-cylinder machine, the Boxer was a stretched version of the company’s 750S America motorcycle, powered by an 832cc engine and featuring as standard cast-alloy wheels, triple Brembo disc brakes and a fairing.
It was the fastest motorcycle of its day, with a recorded 144mph top speed, as well as the most expensive. This example was loaned by Augusta Concessionaires in the UK to Phil Read, seven-time World Motorcycle Grand Prix Champion and former factory rider, who said of the machine: “since riding the MV on a closed circuit in comparison with other road bikes, I’ve discovered what a superlative sports motorcycle it is.”
The Boxer, which has covered just over 11,500 miles from new, has been owned by the vendor since 2009 during which time it has been museum stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Presented in generally excellent condition, this beautiful Boxer represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the MV collector.
The Boxer is just one of the stars of the bumper Spring Stafford Sale that will offer more than 540 lots at its traditional venue at the International Classic MotorCycle Show.
Further highlights include a brace of exciting Brough-Superior projects, including an Alpine Grand Sports’ Sprint Special raced by notable Brough-Superior campaigners Reg Barton and Dick Knight; the 1951 Swiss Grand Prix-winning 1948 Velocette 348cc KTT MkVII Racing Motorcycle, estimate £50,000 – 70,000, ridden to victory by Les Graham and the Ron Chandler 1972 Triumph Formula 750 Triple, £50,000 – 70,000, offered direct from the Isle of Man TT and Grand Prix rider who rode the machine to victory in the 200-mile F750 race at Rouen in 1972 and then re-acquired it in 2003.
The Spring Stafford Sale will be a traditional live auction, staged over two days, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April during the International Classic MotorCycle Show, at the Staffordshire County Showground.
The sale will also be streamed and available on the Bonhams App, providing registered bidders the opportunity to bid in real-time online via Bonhams.com. Absentee and telephone bids are also encouraged.
