Though MV’s first bike was built in 1945, it wasn’t until 1953 when they debuted their first production four-stroke motor. The CST and CSTL (Turismo Lusso) were ahead of their time thanks to features like an overhead cam in the stressed-member motor, a motor that was used as a stressed member of the frame, and a full suspension front and rear.
The main difference between the CST and the “Lusso” was a single seat versus a dual seal. The TL featured a 172cc motor that produced 8 horsepower and pushed them through a 4-speed transmission.
This example (VIN: 412209) is claimed to have been mechanically sorted years ago when it was part of the Michael Harper Smith collection in Tarzana, California. While the paint shows the effects of time, there were plenty of new parts installed as part of the work – exhaust, rims, hubs, seat cover, tires, tubes, grips, headlight rim…the list goes on. Note that the bike last ran eight years ago. The seller has gone through the bike again and confirms that it starts, idles, and runs fine in every gear.
Find this MV for sale in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania for $7,500 here on Craigslist.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by David N!