1974 Benelli 750 Sei Frame no. BC*6925* Engine no. BC*006798*

1974 Benelli 750 Sei Frame no. BC*6925* Engine no. BC*006798* Please kindly note that this motorbike will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Dortmund: please contact eva.lengler@bonhams.com for booking. Despite a racing heritage second to none, Benelli was in trouble by the late 1960s and fell into the clutches of Argentinian industrialist Alejandro De Tomaso in 1971. Under De Tomaso's stewardship the revitalised company was soon grabbing the headlines with a host of new models, none more startling than the 750cc Sei (Six) of 1972, the world's first production six-cylinder motorcycle. The fact that Benelli was able to produce the design so quickly despite lacking previous experience of this type of engine was easily explained: it looked like a Honda CB500 'four' with two extra cylinders, which in effect was just what it was. Even the bore and stroke dimensions were identical to those of the Japanese unit. Production proper began in 1974, but the Benelli was soon overshadowed by Honda's own CBX1000 'six', forcing the Italian company to respond with the 900 Sei in 1980. Currently displaying a total of 13,940 miles on the odometer, this Benelli 750 Sei comes with a folder of German paperwork to include a German registration document; assorted correspondence and other documents; and a copy parts manual. The folder also contains a State of Illinois Certificate of Title showing that the Benelli was resident in the USA when exported in 2010. The engine turns over. Offered with key Footnotes: Please kindly note that VAT at the prevailing german rate (currently 19%) will be added to the buyer's premium which will be invoiced on a VAT exclusive basis. If you are planning to export, please make the department aware. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing