Mossgreen - The Motorclassica Auction (#158MG) - Selected items... Motorcycle... 1973 MOTO GUZZI 850 ELDORADO. Chassis No: 59005. Engine No: VP059005. Moto Guzzi began building motorcycles after World War I. After World War II, although the factory had escaped Allied bombing, their variants were dated. In the 1950s, low capacity two-stroke and four-stroke models were produced to simply cater for the average commuter. The Italian government put the company to task to produce a utilitarian three-wheeler for military use, and the hi torque, low horsepower 754cc 90-degree V-twin appeared. After that contract ended, the factory wondered what could be done with this efficient, low-maintenance engine and again with government support a reliable motorcycle for the military and police was born. With some evolution in between, the V7 appeared at the Milan show in December 1965. Over the ensuing few years the motor was developed so successfully that a 757cc model was released for the American market with newly required sealed-beam headlight called the Ambassador. New cylinder heads were used with a higher compression ratio. In June 1969, a heavily modified Ambassador achieved 145 mph at Monza. Two years later the engine was increased to 844cc, compression increased to 9.2:1, and the Eldorado came in to being. This model is referred to as both the 850GT (Gran Turismo) in Europe, and the Eldorado in America. As the current Harley-Davidson models were quite unsatisfactory for the LAPD demands, Moto Guzzi’s American importer, Premier Motor Corporation, saw a lucrative opportunity. The Eldorado fitted the need perfectly as it was a supreme touring, beautiful handling, fast and reliable alternative. In the early 1970s, the LAPD rode these Moto Guzzis, as did the California Highway Patrol and other departments across the country. This was the first time a foreign motorcycle had won a police contract in the US. Many interesting road reviews are available to read that consolidate the Eldorado as a superb touring bike. The civilian variant was aimed at the long-distance rider. A long plush dual seat was available for pillion touring; broad width mudguards and appropriate size brakes with drum twin-leading shoe on the front and single-leading shoe on the rear both-drums identical at 8.7” in diameter and 1.7” wide. A four-leading shoe front brake from the V7 Sport or a Brembo single disc were also available as bigger brake options. It has a 5-speed gearbox and runs with 2x 29mm VHB Dell'Orto carburettors. This very nice example was brought in from the United States and then sold to a discerning private buyer in Melbourne following an extensive and sensitive restoration in about 2000. The vendor has recently had the bike fully serviced at Mid Life Cycles of Cremorne in October 2016. The work included the tank flushed and restored; a comprehensive service including cables checked and adjusted; spark plugs renewed and the engine tuned up. The carburettors were dismantled, sanded and reassembled. The front and rear brake drums have been sanded and cleaned (receipts available). The engine designation VP followed by a star is not definitely but believed to be a Version Polizia and a foot board model from the factory. The matching frame and engine numbers are indicative of the export American models. The motorcycle is presented in civilian configuration offering an opportunity to go touring in Australia on a motorcycle highly regarded as a true rider’s machine. The sale is accompanied by a selection of as new workshop manuals; Sieme spare parts catalogue and rider’s handbook, other technical manuals and a copy of. Guzziology. by Dave Richardson will also accompany the motorcycle.