Moto Guzzi 1967 V7 703cc 2 cyl OHV 3509

Moto Guzzi 1967 V7 703 cc transverse OHV V-twin frame # VS*97FL* engine # VS*008745

In the late fifties brilliant Moto Guzzi engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano designed a 90° V-twin air-cooled engine intended for a sports version of the Fiat 500, capable of reaching 140 km/h. The Moto Guzzi company was exploring other markets because the interest in the relatively lightweight motorcycles of the time was waning; small cars like the Fiat 500 became affordable for more and more people and motorcycling was on the decline. After some time of developing and testing the engine was a promising design, but in the end no agreement was reached with Fiat. See https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/topic/25748-guzzi-engined-fiat-500/ for some interesting history of this engine.
Carcano then adapted his design and used it to power a three-wheeled vehicle for the army to use in Alpine territory. Meanwhile, a ministerial tender was launched for motorcycles for Italy’s Highway Police; the winner would be the bike that could cover 100,000 km with the lowest maintenance costs. It was the ideal occasion to mount Carcano’s twin-cylinder engine in a motorcycle, which was presented as the “V7” at the International Milan Show in December 1965. The design was simple and sturdy and maintenance was easy because of the shaft drive and accessibility of all parts. The 703 cc engine developed 40HP and the weight was 230 kg. Carcano’s engine proved to be a winner, and would be the basis for many successful Moto Guzzi models in later years, see https://wide.piaggiogroup.com/en/articles/corporate/moto-guzzi-the-origins-of-the-legendary-v7/index.html
The well- restored machine we offer was used by the Bologna police force between 1967 and 1983. She’s fitted with comfortable touring handlebars and crash bars. Having been part of a private collection of a motorcycle dealer, she’s been well maintained and is all ready for the road.

Video: https://youtu.be/T6iU0Ec203I