Super-rare 1980s Lamborghini motorbike is one of just six ever made and will sell for £90,000
Despite being modelled off a classic V12 supercar, these streamline motorbikes failed to find a fan base - but now one keen collector has a chance to grab a piece of rare machine from the Italian marque
AN ultra-rare 160mph Lamborghini superbike that was made as an experiment by the Italian firm has emerged for sale for a staggering £90,000.
One of only six built in 1989, the Design 90 was the result of Lambo toying with the idea of creating a motorbike for mass production.
The supercar maker – which also dabbled in tractors – teamed up with French motorcycle experts “Boxer” to produce six prototypes with a view to making a further 19 bikes if they proved popular.
The bikes were modelled off the 25th Anniversary Lamborghini Countach, with the configuration of their streamlined fibreglass body shaped to resemble the 1988 V12 supercar.
Unfortunately, the bikes failed to find a fan base, and the Design 90 never made it into mainstream production – making the six remaining bikes highly valued among keen Lamborghini enthusiasts.
This particular model has been with the same owner since new and has spent several years in Japan in the hands of a private collector.
It has now been entrusted to Cheshire-based auction house H&H Classics, and is due to go under the hammer on March 4.
While the streamline motorcycle has been given a starting price of £42,500, auctioneers are expecting it to attract offers between £80,000 and £90,000.
Fitted with a Kawasaki 1000cc engine the red two-wheeler is capable of producing 130bhp. And with a weight of just 405lb, it is incredibly fast compared to other bikes of the time, with a top speed of around 160mph.
The bike is said to be in fantastic condition and has barely been used throughout its 29-year-life.
Mark Bryan, a motorcycle expert with H&H, said: “The sort of person who would be interested in buying this is most likely someone with a large collection of Lamborghini cars and maybe even a Lamborghini tractor.
“They do crop up for sale from time to time but it’s not common so hopefully a collector will take an interest.
“It’s in very good condition and has been in Japan for a long time as far as I’m aware. It’s one of those bikes that will always attract interest and we’re hopeful it will do well at auction.”