Ago tribute bike to be auctioned

Cashed-up Giacomo Agostini and MV Agusta fans will have their shot at owning the ultimate motorcycle later this week, when the first example of the MV Agusta Superveloce Ago Limited Edition goes under the hammer at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale on Friday, June 24.

The highly exclusive and exotic machine, number one of the model’s global production run of 311 – one for each of Ago’s GP victories – is being auctioned by Bonhams on behalf of MV Agusta, with the proceeds to go the UNICEF Ukraine emergency fund.

The cause itself is noteworthy, given that from 2019 MV Agusta has been under the full control of the Russian Sardarov family, with serial entrepreneur and CEO Timur Sardarov at the helm. Sardarov has been a vocal opponent of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and has previously published an open letter denouncing the conflict and its “horrific atrocities conducted by a Russian regime”.

Related reading:
Simply exquisite: MV Agusta Superveloce Ago
Ago rides again!
Overhauled 2021 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 now available in Oz

Now the MV Agusta Superveloce Ago Limited Edition will be auctioned to help those at the heart of the war, with the bike being offered with no reserve and a guide of £70,000 to £100,000 (approximately A$123,000 to A$176,000). But, as they say in the classics, that’s not all – the winning bidder will also receive an ‘MV Agusta Experience’, comprising a visit to Bergamo, Italy, for a dinner with the great man himself, plus a tour of Ago’s private museum and a photoshoot with the 15-time World Motorcycle Champion.

Each of the initial 15 bikes in the production run of 311 are dedicated to Ago’s world titles, with a commemorative carbonfibre plate denoting the trophy and the year it was won, along with Ago’s signature. As such, bike #1 celebrates Agostini’s first win in 1966.

Also on off is the matching racing kit, comprising Arrow triple exhaust system and race ECU, along with an exclusive cover and certificate of authenticity.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Bonhams, one of the world’s most prominent and respected auctioneers, in offering some concrete help for this charitable cause,” said Timur Sardarov, CEO, MV Agusta.

“Our Superveloce Ago, a true piece of motorcycle art, could not be in better hands, and we are confident it will go to a passionate collector and true motorcycle enthusiast.”

Tim Schofield, Head of Department, Bonhams Motors UK, said the auctioneer house was thrilled to be offering the machine.

“We are delighted to honour one of the legends of motorsport by offering this exclusive piece of motorcycling art, while helping to raise funds for a most worthy cause. This is a fantastic opportunity for any motorcycle collector to bid for and potentially to own the Ago motorcycle, following in the tyre tracks of the great Giacomo Agostini and to meet the champion racer himself.”

Click here to view the MV Agusta Superveloce Ago Limited Edition lot on the Bonhams website.