Magnificent Magni MV 125

While we’re on the lightweights, how about this beauty, an MV Agusta 125 Sport, freshly consigned to Bonhams Winter Sale on the 5 and 6th December. But this isn’t just any MV Agusta 125 Sport, it is the pre-production prototype used for the sales leaflets and differs in many ways to the production run. The frame is unique and the tank is a one-off in aluminium alloy made by Primo Filotti – who made all the factory racer’s alloy bodywork - with a Monza cap. The side panels are steel with 4 louvers versus plastic ones with 5 louvers on production bikes and there are alternate style footrests. There are more unique features acquired during its remarkable early ownership. Once the MV Agusta factory had finished with the bike it was passed to MV Agusta race team director Arturo Magni for his youngest son Giovanni to use as transport, registered in Varese in 1975. During Giovanni’s ownership the bike was fitted with 18” EPM wheels, twin front disc brakes, Brembo rear calliper, Magni competition exhaust pipe, Magni quarter fairing and single seat (since removed) and bored out to what is believed to be 155cc. The bike was owned by Giovanni until 1981 when it was sold to Emiliano Bezzon, later to be Giovanni’s brother-in law. The bike was purchased by the current owner in 1987 whilst attending Giovanni’s wedding. He was looking for a bike for his son to use and spotted the 125 leaning against the wall in the Magni factory, and asked to purchase it. Carlo Magni - eldest son of Arturo - then casually mentioned this was the original factory prototype, and that he should check with his father. Arturo confirmed the origin of the 125 Sport, typed up a statement and signed it. Since renovation in the early 1990s the bike has remained part of an important collection of Italian motorcycles and rarely displayed. It was featured in a July 1995 Classic Bike magazine article under the heading MV Envy. This bike has a verifiable history over 45 years back to the MV Agusta factory. It is one of a kind being not only the original prototype for MV Agusta’s final 125 Sport, but also possibly the only Magni 125 Sport built.4m

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