Description
This is Lot 243 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale on the 26 & 27 April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available 26 April from 09:00 until 17:00 and 27 April from 09:00 until 17:00, at The International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford.
Lot 243
The Andy Chapman Collection - Part II
c. 1974 Benelli 750 Sei
Registration no. unregistered
Chassis no.
Despite a racing heritage second to none, Benelli was in trouble by the late 1960s and fell into the clutches of Argentinian industrialist Alejandro De Tomaso in 1971. Under De Tomaso's stewardship the revitalised company was soon grabbing the headlines with a host of new models, none more startling than the 750cc Sei (Six) of 1972, the world's first production six-cylinder motorcycle. The fact that Benelli was able to produce the design so quickly despite lacking previous experience of this type of engine was easily explained: it looked like a Honda CB500 'four' with two extra cylinders, which in effect was just what it was. Even the bore and stroke dimensions were identical to those of the Japanese unit. Production proper began in 1974, but the Benelli was soon overshadowed by Honda's own CBX1000 'six', forcing the Italian company to respond with the 900 Sei in 1980.
Apparently, an older restoration, this Benelli Sei currently displays a total of 2 miles on the odometer, which is believed to be the distance covered since the restoration. It would appear that the machine was probably brought to the UK from the USA, as evidenced by the presence of side reflectors and the US-style certification plate stating that it was imported by Cosmopolitan Motors Inc. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this Lot.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams website for all pertinent auction information.
