Description
This motorcycle is Lot 318 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 318
The David Collier Collection
1975 Laverda 744cc 750 SFC Electronica (18000 Batch)
Registration no. FRO 441Y
Frame no. LAV. 750C1* 18297*
Engine no. 750* 18297*
Extremely desirable
Lovely condition
One owner for the last 36 years
Recorded in the 750 SFC Register
Laverda's 750 SFC production racer was, and still is, achingly beautiful. The beauty was more than skin deep - this was a tough motorcycle, endurance racing was its particular speciality, and it required little more maintenance than the SF roadsters. Broadly speaking there were three variants of the SFC: the drum braked models in production until June 1972, the 1974 disc braked machines (but still with points based ignition), and the final "18000" batch (because the frame and engine numbers are in the 18, 000 sequence) with 164 produced in 1975-1976, now featuring Bosch electronic ignition, an oil cooler, and a redesigned cylinder head. For obvious reasons this became known as the "Electronica".
The accompanying copy of the Italian registration document shows that this Electronica #18297 spent its early years in the Milan area, while the V5 shows first registration in Great Britain in 1982. David Collier became its next owner in 1988. David never registered the bike in his own name because he was able to ride it on trade plates. Nippon Denso instruments are fitted, the odometer reading of 1, 752 miles is unlikely to be the total mileage because it would originally have been fitted with only a Smiths tachometer (supplied, along with a new fairing mounting bracket). Other spares include a factory road exhaust system (race system currently fitted), and multiple others - see list in file. Additional documentation includes the V5, a handwritten receipt relating to David's purchase, two letters from SFC specialist Tim Isles, MOT certificates, David's notebook, the Tim Isles and Marnix van der Schalk book "750 SFC", the factory 750 SFC maintenance book and parts list (in Italian), a Laverda Racingteam Konstanz parts catalogue, a 1993 newsletter and copy of the SFC Register (which includes #18297).
David's usage has included road riding as well as parading at Cadwell, Mallory, Snetterton, Brands etc. The SFC has been recommissioned over the last year and has a new battery. It has never had any ethanol in the petrol tank. Earlier this year David lined the tank, but it is large and he thinks it may need a second coat to ensure 100% coverage throughout. The machine is accompanied by a considerable selection of spares - close inspection advised.
We urge interested bidders to view the running video on our website. Such is his confidence in the machine that, subject to his health allowing it, David is happy to provide technical support and advice over the telephone to the new owner. This is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a 750 SFC Electronica in fantastic condition. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed. Ignition and tail unit keys are supplied.
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.
