The eight cylinder 500cc racing machine will be brought to the show by its owner, Giuseppe Todero, who will present it to visitors as part of Race Retro’s new-for-2011 Fire Up Paddock, sponsored by Ace Cafe London.
“Developed in the mid-1950s, the multi-cylinder racer designed by Giuliano Carcano was never given the opportunity to realise its technical potential, but despite its development being cancelled in 1957 when Moto Guzzi joined other manufacturers pulling out of Grand Prix racing, the 90-degree V8 (which used eight carburettors) developed 80 horsepower, could best 180mph and revved to 12,500rpm!” a statement reads.
“Despite varying success the bike enjoyed a cult status that continues to this day,” it continues. “Alongside technical advance in engine design, Carcano also believed in aerodynamics and the benefits of a more slippery shape and he used Moto Guzzi’s wind tunnel – an industry first – to explore wind-cheating designs.”
Italian multi-time world champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer Giacomo Agostini will also attend Race Retro this year, alongside a three-cylinder 500cc MV Agusta which is a continuation based on those he raced in the 1960s.
This year's Race Retro celebrates all that’s best in Italian bikes, with a tribute display comprising the Gilera, the MV Agusta 'Fire Engines', the Benellis, the Moto Guzzis and the Desmodromic Ducatis, from lightweight singles through booming V twins to the Desmosedici Moto GP challenger.
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