Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1955 MV Agusta 175 CSS/ 5V Bialbero Factory Racer
Works Milano-Taranto entry now equipped with rare DOHC kit
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: Un-Registered
Frame No: 100032
MOT: Exempt
One of around 200 CSS/ 5Vs built, and originally used as a works Milano-Taranto entry
Restored in 2016 with the highly desirable Bialbero conversion kit
Signed by former MV Agusta racer Remo Venturi on his ninetieth birthday
Sold with its original 1955 licence in the name of the MV factory
The Road and Race Collection
The MV Agusta 175 series was launched for 1953 and was soon developed for sports and racing purposes, with the CSS/ 5V racing variant appearing in 1955, with external magneto ignition, a five-speed gearbox, and an all-new Grand Prix-style frame. Its most exciting feature was an optional kit for a bialbero (DOHC) conversion. Around 200 CSS/ 5Vs were made.
This rare, matching-numbers CSS/ 5V has remarkable provenance—its original Italian licence book confirms that it was registered on June 15th, 1955, to the MV Agusta works. The ‘100’ prefix in the numbers denotes a factory racer, and ‘T’ stamps denote the Milano-Taranto. Its features include magnesium brakes and crankcases, a lightweight frame and fuel tank, and many components drilled for lightness. ‘100032’ retired from the Milano-Taranto when its head blew up in Palma. It was collected by the local agent, who displayed it in his showroom for many years, until it was bought by a local man who eventually started a restoration but died before it was completed.
After being taken into the custody of parts specialist Carlo Luisi, it was sold through Massimiliano Timi to the vendor, a collector of important historic motorcycles, in 2016. Timi was tasked with completing the restoration, while the owner sourced an extremely rare bialbero conversion kit, which was installed. Prior to being imported in 2017, it was presented at the ninetieth birthday of Remo Venturi, where the famous racer signed the tank. Paperwork includes the 1955 Italian licence, certification from the MV Agusta Registro Storico, and restoration photos. Bidders should note that recommissioning will be required, and import duties may need to be paid.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
