On June 29, Oct 30 and Oct 31 of 1969, Moto Guzzi set new world records with two modified Ambassadors to highlight their recently released V Twin engine format. From receivership turmoil to new people like Lino Tonti, many things converged to make this effort a reality. Two similar bikes were built from stock Ambassador models, one displacing 739.35 cc to compete in the 750 class and one displacing 757cc for the 1000 class. Each used 38mm Dellorto SS1 carbs with remote bowls and 9.6:1 compression. The machines were not campaigned beyond speed trial attempts. Once the project ended, one machine went into the archive and remains upon display at the MG Factory Museum. The other came to the USA via Berliner, where it was reportedly sold to a private party before ultimately being disassembled and was forever lost.
Today is an appropriate day to recognize the 50th anniversary of what was to be the beginning of the modern Moto Guzzi Sport bike program. Furthermore, this venture clarified the shortcomings of the Loop frame for a sport platform and thus is the origin of the Tonti frame that served far beyond the sport bike platform. There's a limited amount of documentation available. Included is a screenshot from Ian Fallon's The Complete History of Moto Guzzi providing more names and basic information. Also included are pics of the remaining original bike from the museum, courtesy of WG member VonCrump and another of an unfaired configuration bike at Monza.
very cool...
well, the screenshot of the text is a dud...
