Beskrivning
This motorcycle is Lot 244 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 244
The Andy Chapman Collection - Part II
1980 Laverda 497cc Montjuic 500
Registration no. GOP 59W
Frame no. see text
Engine no. 2816 (see text)
Comes with Slater Laverda dating letter
11, 124 miles recorded
Requires recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration
In 1978 a Laverda Formula 500 racer was imported by the UK Laverda concessionaire, Roger Slater, the man largely responsible for the Jota, who believed that a 'civilised' café racer had greater sales potential than the rather lacklustre and expensive Alpino from which the Formula 500 had been derived. Slater retained the stock Alpino fuel tank but equipped his new baby with a bikini fairing and solo racing seat, manufactured in the UK by Screen & Plastics. Finished in 'Jota Orange', the new model was named 'Montjuic' in honour of Laverda's endurance race victories at the eponymous Spanish circuit, while a loud, matt black, megaphone exhaust system further enhanced the racing connection. Focused on performance to the exclusion of almost everything else, the Montjuic was defiantly 'hardcore' at a time when motorcycles were becoming ever more refined. No wonder it was so popular.
Currently displaying a total of 11, 124 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography), 'GOP 59W' comes with a Slater Laverda dating letter confirming that this Montjuic was first registered on 9th September 1980 and retailed by Kings of Birmingham. The frame appears to be a replacement with factory prefix but lacking a frame number and stamped 'DGM 2816 OM', while the '2' of the engine number appears double-struck. Therefore, prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to this motorcycle's originality, authenticity and components prior to bidding. It should also be noted that the fuel filler cap lock has been damaged and will not unlock (there are no keys present).
Accompanying documentation includes an expired MoT (2013) and photocopy old V5C and current V5C documents. 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.
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 Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
