Disappointed by the poor sales of its 1960 line-up, which featured a trio of newcomers with engines displacing 99, 235 and 300cc respectively, MV Agusta returned to the more traditional capacity classes in 1961, launching the all-new Centomila in 125 and 150cc variants. The duo were powered by an overhead-valve four-stroke single built in unit with a four-speed gearbox (five speeds came later) which went into MV’s familiar set of lightweight cycle parts. Unlike their immediate predecessors, the new MV Centomilas would prove to be an immense commercial success for the Italian firm, effectively keeping it afloat in difficult times. Like their larger siblings, the small MVs were very expensive – typically costing as much as a British 500 in the UK - which explains why so few of these the exquisitely engineered little bikes were sold in this country. This 125cc Centomila was imported from Italy in 1988 by the late Peter Eascott (MV Agusta Club parts department organiser) and remained in his and his son Geoff’s private collection until it was purchased by the current owner in 2007. Restored to original specification - engine and gearbox included - by the Eascotts circa 1990/91, the machine remains in very good condition and is offered with fresh MoT, current road fund licence and Swansea V5.