Introduced to the world in 1967 the V7 became a very popular platform for Moto Guzzi. By 1970 there were at least four choices of V7’s offered. Ambassador, Police, Special and Sport. The Sport became a legendary bike in short order, the Police version sold thousands in Europe and the US. The Special may be the least known of the bunch and I can only find record of it being offered for 3 years.
Moto Guzzi was started in 1921, a collaboration between friends from the Italian Air Corps in WWI. Carlo Guzzi was a mechanic and engineer who designed the original engines. A pilot, Giorgio Parodi’s family provided the initial financing and retained full control of the company. Originally known as G-P motorcycles the name was changed to Moto Guzzi to protect the Parodi family interests from possible suits. Guzzi never owned a stake in the company, instead receiving a royalty from each Moto Guzzi sold.
The 1970 Moto Guzzi V7 Special used a 748 CC (45.64 CID) air cooled four stroke longitudinal V-Twin that made 51 HP with a 4 speed transmission and shaft drive. Hydraulic front forks, coil over rear shocks, drum brakes front and back and a hefty weight of 530 LBS wet made for a pretty smooth and steady ride. Near 6 gallons of gas aboard made it a true long distance cruiser.
This particular Moto Guzzi V7 Special is in San Jose, California and is “Listed as Used, but this bike is completely restored to perfection.” The listing contains lots of photos of the build and detail. The bike has a Buy It Now price of $17,999
Sources:
Wikipedia List of Guzzis
Mbike (not Special)
Bikez
Motorcycle Specs
Wikipedia Guzzi History