1949 Other Makes MV Agusta CGT

00000

"MV Agusta had introduced their first production scooter during 1949 at the Milan Trade Fair. Typed the model "B" the new machine employed similar construction principals to the rival Vespa with a monocoque, pressed steel body housing the 125cc two stroke engine. This machine was followed in 1950 by the model C or CSL, standing for "C" Super Lusso. The new machine employed a tubular frame with pressed steel bodywork, as with the previous model the power unit was mounted in front of the engine with the drive being taken to the rear wheel by a chain. The bodywork incorporated a channel which funneled air to the engine to aid cooling. A second scooter was introduced during 1950, derived from the CSL with which it shared the frame, front bodywork and engine, the new model was initially known as the Popolare, then Normale before MV finally settled on "C"GT standing for "C" Gran Turismo as its title. Intended as a more affordable alternative to the CSL the CGT dispensed with the rear bodywork in the interests of cost replacing it with a fuel tank and pannier resulting in the machine being offered for 175,000 Lire." Up for auction is this amazingly rare MV Agusta scooter. This is believed to be one of only a handful in the US and is considered rare even in Italy. It is differentiated in a sea of Italian scooters as having been built around a beautiful MV Agusta motorcycle engine vs. a rear swingarm-mounted engine like the Vespas. This means its center of gravity and general performance far exceeded that of Vespa and the like. This also means that it is a much prettier to most eyes and has a much more purposeful look to it. Even those new to motorcycling seem to appreciate its somewhat oddball profile. The good: This particular example has undergone a complete restoration a few years ago and appears to have been mostly just admired without use. I'm putting this up for auction for a friend who simply has to let it go and would rather it pass on to a more adoring home. The photos mostly speak for themselves, but the basics of its condition is quite good. The entire scooter was obviously stripped and lovingly refurbished and repainted in a beautiful pearl white with great care taken to hand paint the body lines in a subtle blue hue along with the "A" logo on the side of its bodywork. Even the underside of bodywork is in excellent shape and clean. As a showpiece alone this scooter makes a confident statement in a shop full of nothing but vintage motorcycles. All see it as something totally different. The not-so-good: The current owner spent an enormous amount of money (twice the reserve) to have this machine completely restored, but never really got the chance to ride it. The engine has strong compression and sounds good when kicked, but unfortunately it is not currently running. A mechanic did work on it and diagnosed it prior to me. I was told that it needed new "main bearings". I cannot speak for this diagnosis or begin to give an accurate description of its condition as I've never even attempted to start it. The owner would simply like to let it go with an honest description and let it be sold as-is and describe it as a "display piece". I cannot speculate about what it would take to get it running.....but anything is repairable with a combination of time and money. Regardless.....this machine looks great sitting where it is. The other not-so-good is shown in the photos in the form of paint damage from transport. There is a slightly faded paint spot on the headlight bucket and a few wear marks can be seen, but all seem to definitely be the result of transport. Overall it shows as a very clean bike. Terms: This bike is being sold with a bill of sale only and is NOT titled in this country. It is quite simple to get a bonded title in most states and I can advise on doing so. Please bid with confidence as I have sold many motorcycles on ebay and NEVER had negative feedback or any complaints about my unbiased descriptions. If any further clarification is needed via photos or questions then please let me know. Thanks and happy bidding.