Description
This motorcycle is Lot 314 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 314
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection
c. 1985 Benelli 231cc 304 Quattro
Registration no. Unregistered
Frame no. RD* 10231*
Engine no. BH* 07050
Revitalised following its take-over in 1971 by Argentine industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso, Benelli launched a range of new four- and six-cylinder sports bikes. First of these Honda-inspired machines was the '500' Quattro of 1974, which despite its Oriental-looking power unit was thoroughly Italian in all other respects, boasting a rigid cradle frame, powerful Grimeca drum brakes and alloy wheel rims. Smallest of the range was the '250' (actually 231cc) Quattro which, when deliveries commenced in 1979, was the most expensive '250' on sale in Britain. Stunningly - if not controversially - styled and built like a watch, the high-revving lightweight was red-lined at 12, 000rpm and had a top speed of over 90mph. Introduced in 1984, the more conventionally styled '304' Quattro, as seen here, deployed the '254' engine in the cycle parts of the '124'. It was catalogued for only five years (1984-1988).
A sporting Italian middleweight rarely seen in the UK, this unregistered '304' displays a 'delivery mileage' of only 10 kilometres on the odometer. Unfortunately, no history is known and the machine is offered without documents.
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.
Two keys present.
£1, 500 - 3, 000
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.
