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Meccanica Verghera Agusta was named after the Italian village it hailed
from, plus the titled and wealthy Agusta family which owned it. The MV Agusta motorcycle story (the marque is also known for it's helicopters) began immediately after the second World War, with the manufacture of small (98cc) single-cylinder two-stroke bikes to fulfill a social need for cheap transport. The company rose to dizzy heights in a short time, winning its first grand prix title in 1952 with Cecil Sandford in the 125cc world championship. That success led to the start of a number of legendary racing careers, including those of Britons John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, and Phil Read, all 500cc world champions with MV Agusta.  However,
it was the name of Italian racer Giacomo Agostini, the eight-times 500cc
world champion, which became synonymous with the MV Agusta brand and
remains so today.The four champions mentioned (Surtees, Hailwood, Agostini, and Read) helped MV Agusta hold the 500cc world championship title for an unbeaten run from 1958 with Surtees through to 1974 with Read. In total, MV Agusta won 139 grand prix races in the 500cc class from 1952 to 1976. Sadly the brand faded away during the middle to late 1970s until its rebirth under the Cagiva banner with the MV Agusta F4 in 1997. In 1999 the new factory in Cassinetta di Biandronno (Varese) was opened. The company now comprises: Schiranna which houses the top management, mechanical production of strategic parts, engine production and assembly, frame and component painting and research and development. Cassinetta has a full assembly line, parts warehouse, and houses technical assistance. The Morazzone plant concentrates on frame production.  At
the Intermot 2000 in Munich the MV Agusta F4 Brutale was unveiled, along
with the much-called for F4 SPR, and Senna replica models.MV Agusta has always held a special place in the hearts of motorcycle collectors. For example, its four-cylinder 750S America of 1977 commands prices in excess of $50,000 at auctions. |