1982 Moto Guzzi 850cc Le Mans MkIII
Registration no. MGL 151X
Frame no. 12263
Engine no. 12424

Hitherto an acquired taste enjoyed by a discerning minority, the big Guzzi suddenly began capturing the imagination of a wider public when the 850cc Le Mans burst on the scene in 1976. Described by Bike magazine as 'the sleekest, horniest thing you've ever seen on two wheels', the Le Mans looked like it was doing 100mph while stationary and on the open road delivered 130mph-plus performance. In 1978, the model was revamped as the Le Mans II, featuring a more elaborate Spada-style fairing, and then in 1981 came the more heavily revised Le Mans III, which incorporated new cylinder heads, a new exhaust system and refreshed styling. Without doubt one of the definitive superbikes of the 1970s, the Moto Guzzi Le Mans is today regarded as highly collectible. Acquired by the vendor (its third owner) in August 1983, this particular MkIII has been in dry storage for several years and will require re-commissioning before further use. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with an old-style V5 registration document and is offered without reserve.