Loops: Help with frame numbers?

[Testarossa]

Possible barn finds:
Loop, probably Ambassador 750. Frame and engine 14988, built date March 1970.
Loop, probably 850 Eldorado. Engine number 14799, frame missing.

Can anyone confirm?

[Dave Swanson]

According to the "Loop List"  14988 coincides with the data being an Ambo built in March 1970.

14799 is also an Ambo engine built in February 1970.

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_loop_list.php

[Testarossa]

Thanks, Dave. I saw that list but the owner swore that the frameless bike was an 850. But the 850 engine started 1972.

[TodkaVonic]

My 750 ambassador (upgraded to 850) is stamped "Oct 1969" and is #14000. Your barn find seller could be correct, it may be an 850, just not from the factory. It'd be an aftermarket upgrade/modification, which is/was quite common. And if modified, that may save you the angst of having to replace chrome-lined cylinders.

If you'd like access to a wealth of Loop Frame information---like I'm talking absolute Loop Frame geniuses---check out the yahoo Loop Frame group. All of your questions will be answered, I promise.

Nate

[Dave Swanson]

The engine without frame being 189 engines before the other Ambo engine only computes as a slightly earlier  Ambo.   But at this point it could be irrelevant depending what your plans for the engine are.

[Testarossa]

The February 70 engine is hopeless. The bike was wrecked and the frame discarded as unrepairable. The engine has sat open for at least 15 years, outdoors. Cylinders off, all the valve train bits rusted to hell, con rods rusted too, sump off, crank appears still to be in there but I don't think it will turn. Gearbox intact and is probably good, along with final drive, wheels and brake components. Tank has been open too and is probably nothing but rust inside. Boxes and fenders might be restorable. If there's a title the engine case is worth something.

The March 70 bike is all there and rebuildable.