1976 MV Agusta 350 Sports 'Ipotesi'
Frame no. 21601327
Engine no. 21601397
Although better known for their racing and road-going multi-cylinder machines, MV Agusta also built a range of stylish single- and twin-cylinder sports bikes throughout the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Intermittently available in Britain throughout this period, their high price meant that they were never top sellers. Introduced at the Milan Show in 1971, MV's first production 350 roadster was basically an over-bored version of the existing 250B model that had been around since 1967. Of unitary construction, the engine was a compact, twin-cylinder, overhead-valve unit featuring twin Dell'Orto carburettors, geared primary drive and a five-speed gearbox. Claimed maximum power was 28bhp at 7,600rpm and top speed in excess of 90mph. Two versions were made: the 350GT tourer and 350B sports, both of which were updated with 12-volt electrics and electronic ignition in October 1972. They were replaced by restyled, 'square case' 350 Sports/GT equivalents for 1975 - also known as the Ipotesi (hypothesis) - the makeover being the work of celebrated car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The basic engine architecture remained unchanged but power went up to 34bhp at 8,500 revs with a commensurate increase in performance. This restored example benefits from fresh paintwork and a recently overhauled engine incorporating new pistons, gaskets, etc. Retaining its original (and very rare) exhaust, the machine is offered with Italian estratto cronologico. No reserve.