The 1974 Laverda 750 SFC is more than a classic motorcycle—it is a rare and visceral piece of Italian racing heritage. Born from the legendary racing ambitions of the Laverda factory in Breganze, the SFC—short for Super Freni Competizione—was designed as a production endurance racer capable of dominating the track while remaining just civil enough for the road. With only a few hundred units produced throughout the early 1970s, it stands today as one of the most desirable and collectible European sport motorcycles of its era.
The 1974 example currently offered by Moto Borgotaro represents something particularly special: a remarkably preserved machine that retains the character and authenticity collectors search for. Showing just 1,239 original miles and matching frame and engine numbers (#17172), this SFC remains extraordinarily original, featuring its factory gel-coat paint, original zinc-coated frame finish, and correct period components. Even details like the original Vitaloni mirror mounted on the fairing have survived the decades intact—small touches that underscore the authenticity and rarity of this machine.
The Laverda 750 SFC was conceived as a true racing motorcycle adapted for public roads. Powered by a high-performance 748cc parallel-twin engine, the machine produced around 70–75 horsepower and was capable of speeds approaching 135 mph, impressive figures for the early 1970s. The bike’s strengthened tubular frame, race-bred suspension, and lightweight bodywork delivered the kind of durability and aggression that made the SFC legendary in endurance racing circles. It was the type of motorcycle riders could race on Sunday and ride home afterward—an ethos that defined the golden age of Italian sport machines.
The 1974 production run is particularly significant within the SFC lineage. That year saw important refinements, including upgraded suspension, Brembo disc brakes, and performance improvements to the engine, making it one of the most usable and developed versions of the model. Approximately 222 units were built in 1974, with many exported to the United States as street-legal racers, further cementing their reputation among collectors and enthusiasts.
What truly elevates this example is its extraordinary originality and documented history. Sold new by T.T. Motors in Berkeley, California, the bike remained carefully preserved for decades. From 1992 to 2021 it was owned by Donald Lemelin of San Francisco, a motorcycle dealer and enthusiast who maintained it meticulously while riding it sparingly and storing it indoors. During his ownership, the motorcycle even appeared in a three-page feature in Rider Magazine, further adding to its provenance.
Beyond the motorcycle itself, the sale includes an exceptional collection of documentation and period artifacts: the original owner’s manual, factory literature, historic registrations, and correspondence related to the bike’s history. A rare and reportedly complete set of original Laverda factory tools accompanies the machine, along with spare components such as the factory 2-into-2 exhaust system and additional brake rotors. For collectors, such completeness is almost as valuable as the motorcycle itself, offering a glimpse into the original ownership experience of a 1970s Italian racing thoroughbred.
Visually, the SFC remains instantly recognizable with its distinctive racing fairing and iconic orange livery—the signature color of Laverda’s competition department. The design reflects the purpose of the machine: aggressive, aerodynamic, and unapologetically mechanical. Every surface communicates performance and intent, from the sculpted fuel tank to the purposeful stance of its racing chassis.
Owning a Laverda SFC is not simply about acquiring a vintage motorcycle; it is about possessing a genuine factory race machine from one of Italy’s most passionate manufacturers. Few bikes from the era deliver such a compelling combination of engineering pedigree, raw mechanical presence, and historical significance. With its exceptional originality, documented history, and remarkably low mileage, this 1974 Laverda 750 SFC represents a rare opportunity to own one of the most authentic and collectible Italian sport motorcycles ever built.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it stands as a reminder of a time when racing technology, craftsmanship, and passion came together to create motorcycles that were not only fast—but unforgettable.
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