Description
This motorcycle is Lot 309 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 309
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection
c. 1976 Montesa Cota 49
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 20M6176
Engine no. 20M6176
Founded in the mid-1940s in Barcelona, Montesa entered road racing in the early 1950s but its major impact on motorcycle sport would be away from the tarmac, the Scorpion and Capra moto-crossers and Cota trials being the equal of any of their contemporaries. Developed by the factory test rider Pedro Pi, Montesa's first trials machine arrived in 1967 and the following year Pi won the Spanish Trials Championship on one, now re-titled 'Cota'. In the UK, six-time British trials champion Malcolm Rathmell did much to promote Montesa after he joined as development rider in 1974, winning the Scott Trial in 1975 and 1976.
A long-standing member of the Surtees family collection, this charming little Montesa has no known early history or provenance. Machines such as this introduced countless young riders to motorcycling, making the model a fondly remembered part of many enthusiasts' formative years.
A matching-numbers example, the motorcycle appears to be substantially complete although its mechanical condition is unknown and the date of its last use has not been established. At the time of cataloguing, the engine was found to turn over. The odometer reading is 3, 988 kilometres.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
A delightful and lightweight off-roader - ideal for younger riders - offered from the collection of one of motorcycling's greatest ever champions.
£300 - 500
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
