c1961 MV Augusta 175cc Motorcycle

Description

One of the most famous names in Italian motorcycling history, the Meccanica Verghera concern can trace its history back to 1945 when the first two-wheeled machine to bear the MV moniker appeared. Badged the 98, this was a modest scooter designed to meet the need for cheap transportation, with the MV company looking to diversify away from its principal base in the aeronautical industry. MV quickly expanded the model range to include more sporting machines and established a reputation for building winning race bikes. MV officially began racing in 1946 but it was the new four-stroke 125cc single and 500cc four-cylinder machines of 1950 that put the brand on the map, the latter giving Les Graham and John Surtees world titles. Meanwhile the range of road bikes continued to expand through the 1960s, with MV one of the few Italian manufacturers rising to meet the challenge of the Japanese through diversification. One of MV's staple road bikes was the four-stroke 175cc, sold in pushrod and more expensive single-cam versions, a conventional but neatly styled machine available in Turismo, Sport and Lusso models. Following the death of Count Domenico Agusta in the early 1970s, MV foundered but was saved by the Castiglione family with the stunning F4 unveiled in 1998. Today all MV's creations are considered collectible and have an incredibly loyal following around the world.