Rare 1969 GP replica up for auction

An exact replica of an ultra-rare 1969 Villa V4 GP bike is one of the stars of a forthcoming classic bike auction.

The original Moto Villa 250cc V4 was built in 1968 by Francesco Villa. Unfortunately the FIM changed the 250 class regulations to a maximum of two cylinders for 1969 meaning the exotic machine never raced at GP level.

This replica was built by an ex-Villa employee from original parts and is expected to sell for £24,000-£34,000.

An even more valuable machine is also for sale at the Bonhams auction at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in Stafford on October 16 – this equally rare Laverda 750SFC with an estimate of £35-40,000.

While another Italian bike up for grabs is a 1979 Ducati 864cc Mike Hailwood replica with just one owner from new, full history and just 23,000 miles on the clock.

Other bikes include a 1969 Kawasaki H1, 1973 Kawasaki Z2, 1973 Kawasaki Z1, 1974 Kawasaki Z1A and a 1975 Kawasaki Z1B.

For more information visit: www.bonhams.com/eur/motorcycles/