London, England (December 5, 2008) — A 1995 Ferrari 900cc motorcycle, which has an estimated top speed of 165mph (265km/h), produces 105bhp at 8,800rpm and has been sitting in its owner’s drawing room for much of its life, is expected to fetch CHF 325,000-375,000 at Bonhams’ annual motoring sale in Gstaad, Switzerland on 18 December 2008. Built by David Kay Engineering as a tribute to the great Enzo Ferrari, the unique vehicle bears the famous prancing horse badge. In a letter dated Maranello, 23 May 1990, the highly reputed MV August ‘guru’ David Kay received complete approval and good wishes for […]
London, England (December 5, 2008) — A 1995 Ferrari 900cc motorcycle, which has an estimated top speed of 165mph (265km/h), produces 105bhp at 8,800rpm and has been sitting in its owner’s drawing room for much of its life, is expected to fetch CHF 325,000-375,000 at Bonhams’ annual motoring sale in Gstaad, Switzerland on 18 December 2008.
Built by David Kay Engineering as a tribute to the great Enzo Ferrari, the unique vehicle bears the famous prancing horse badge. In a letter dated Maranello, 23 May 1990, the highly reputed MV August ‘guru’ David Kay received complete approval and good wishes for the project from Enzo’s son Piero Ferrari.
Before David Kay embarked on the 3,000 man-hours of work involved in building this unique piece of engineering from scratch, he looked to the future and the past, thinking what might have been if Enzo Ferrari had decided to produce a GT or endurance racing machine.
He created a 900cc engine, which is transverse, has a double overhead camshaft, four cylinder, eight-valve unit with magnesium and alloy casings, and is driven through a five speed gearbox. The tubular chassis is made of Reynolds 531 tube, engineering on the motorcycle is irreproachable and the detail is quite astounding.
Terry Hall, who also produced the double curvature reverse cone megaphones, made the entire bodywork out of aluminium. In Kay’s own words these are too beautiful to merely funnel exhaust gases from engine to atmosphere. He said: “The noise is like a Messerschmitt chasing a Spitfire.”
The front end is very contemporary with Forcelle Italia upside down forks, massive twin piston Brembo disc brakes front and rear (six pot callipers to the front, four to the rear) and special 17-inch hand spun Astralite wheels. WPS twin rear shock absorbers complete the basic specification.
The bike has been featured with acclaim in worldwide publications, has also been the star of several TV programs and has been exhibited at the Coventry Classic Bike show.
In today’s world of mass production, the chance to purchase this officially acknowledged one-off tribute to Enzo Ferrari, may never arise again. Bonhams recommend close inspection of this magnificent piece of engineering, which would take pride of place in any museum or collection.
For further information regarding Bonhams’ Gstaad Sale, please visit: www.bonhams.com
