1955 MotoGuzzi V8 GP Pictures
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This is a stunning Moto Guzzi 500cc V8 machine designed and developed by Guiliano Carcano. The engine is mounted transversely in the frame and is fed by 8 specially developed Dell’Orto carburettors. The engine is a 90 degree V8 with a 44mm bore x 42mm stroke developing 78bhp at 12,500rpm getting the bike to a maximum recorded speed of 187mph..
It was ridden by Ken Kavanagh and Bill Lomas (one of my favourite riders) at the 1956 Dutch TT where both riders made fastest lap times before niggling mechanical failure forced retirement. Dickie Dale also rode it at the 1957 Golden Jubilee Isle of Man Senior TT. During this race he was forced to stop briefly as one piston had siezed, but he still brought the bike home in fourth position.
Moto Guzzi were to withdraw from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 1957 season so the bike was sadly never to reach its full potential.
Quite a special machine on display at the 2011 Race Retro event.
And the last couple of pictures have been sent in by Pops Hinde who was fortunate enough to meet the owner (the son of the designer) and see how it feels to sit on the machine…
Cette machine est une œuvre d’art, une pure merveille !
This machine is a work of art, a marvel!