In two weeks, Mecum is auctioning off some cars and 53 bikes in Monterey, immediately preceding Pebble Beach. As befitting such a location, there’s some classy machines that could leave with new owners. Let’s take a look at my three favorites!
1. 1957 MV Agusta Squalo Formula Racer – estimated to sell between $35,000 and $45,000. This is a production racer that was piloted by none other than Mike Hailwood! It was restored and the sale will include photos documenting the work. Known as the Squalo (“Shark”), this model got a significant update in 1955 and the ’57 could be ordered with either telescoping forks or an Earles front end. This specific example was once part of the Guy Webster collection.
2, 1969 Husqvarna 360C Sportsman – estimated to sell between $20,000 and $25,000. In the 60’s, Edison Dye, known by some as the father of American Motocross, convinced management at Husky to build a street-legal dual-sport to compete with the proliferation of similar bikes in the American market, like the Yamaha DT-1. The resulting bike was a high-tech wonder, the Husqvarna Sportsman 360C. Malcolm Smith won a gold medal with the Sportsman in the ISDT, but the high MSRP ($1,089) was too much of a barrier for consumers, and it sold poorly. The bike had a 4.2 gallon fuel tank, 8-speed hi-lo transmission, and it weighed just 252 pounds. Want to learn more? Check out a period review of the bike from Cycle magazine in 1969, hosted by Ye Olde Cycle Shoppe. This example was owned by legendary rider/stuntman Bud Ekins, and it was then part of the “Hollywood Bike” collection. It was restored by Rob Phillips of Vintage Husky Restorations and it’s said to be in concours condition.
3. 1955 Ceccato Grand Prix Twin Cam 75cc – estimated to sell between $35,000 and $45,000. One of two beautiful Ceccato GP racers in the auction, this 75cc twin cam is claimed to be the only one in the Western Hemisphere as well as a “100 point restoration”. It was apparently the first motorcycle designed by Fabio Taglioni (Ducati’s Chief Designer) – he was a teacher at a technical institute and he developed this in conjunction with his students. This example was restored by an employee of the Ceccato museum in Italy.
As a bonus, here’s another Ceccato – this time a single cam displacing 100cc. This is claimed to be the only surviving example and it was acquired by the current seller from Argentina. It’s also been restored. 1955 Ceccato Grand Prix Single Cam 100cc – estimated to sell between $35,000 and $45,000.
To check out all of the lots, click here!