Honda RC 116 50cc and Luigi Taveri – 1966 Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuich -photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of the great Swiss racing ace
Luigi Taveri
on his nr. 14
Honda RC 110 50cc works factory racer
, seen in
WINNING
action during the
1962 Grand Prix of Spain
,
which was ridden on
May 8, 1966
on the circuit of
Montjuich Park
in the city of Barcelona.
Taveri would win the race with an average speed of
67.81 mph
(
109.13 km/h
) AND he went on to finish
2ND
in the
50cc World Championship
of
1966
with the photographed machine!
Luigi Taveri
is a Swiss former motorcycle road racer. He was three times world champion in the 125 cc class of the Grand Prix road racing championship, in 1962, 1964, and 1966. Taveri made his world championship debut in the 1954 season, racing in the 500 cc class on an Norton motorcycle. In 1955, he took his first win in the 125 cc race at the Spanish Grand Prix. He took one more win in
1955, in
the 250 cc class at the Dutch TT. He participated in the Isle of Man TT on several occasions from 1955 to 1966 with three victories and several second placing amongst his results. During his career he rode for MV Agusta, and became a works rider for Ducati, MZ, Kreidler and in 1961 for Honda.
The machine Honda used during 1966 50cc World Championship was called the
Honda RC 116
. Difference between the RC 115 and the RC 116 was a new bore and stroke, being 35.5 x
25.14 mm
. Power output was 16 bhp at 21,500 rpm (rear wheel). This means 320 bhp per litre and a Pme of nearly 16 kg/cm2! As regards bhp per litre, this is a figure that has never been surpassed by any naturally aspirated four-stroke engine, and even today's Formula 1 cars with their special fuel brews cannot hold a candle to it. I know this is not a totally fair comparison, but it gives an idea of the level of four-stroke technology 40 years ago. This engine was the most advanced of all the Honda engines. Red line at 22,500 rpm. Carburettors had flat slides. The gearbox contained a nine-speed cluster. Dry weight of the bike was
58 kg
. The piston pin had a diameter of
9 mm
and weighed
6 g
. The inlet valve head was
13 mm
, the exhaust valve head was
11.5 mm
, and the stems had a diameter of
3.5 mm
. Weight of the exhaust valve:
6 g
. At the end of the 1966 season, Honda withdrew from 50 cc racing.
Montjuic
, alternatively spelled
Montjuïc
or
Montjuich
, is a hill located in the Spanish city op
Barcelona
,
Spain
. The roads in the slopes facing the city formed once the famous Montjuic circuit, where for decades motorcycle and car races were being organized. For decades the 24 Hours of
Barcelona
races were ridden at Montjuic, and also the Spanish Grand Prix races,
during which the photo was taken
. On four occasions Formula One car races were organized on the Montjuic circuit.
After 1986 the circuit was not used anymore for the 24 hours races.
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
We have more photos of Luigi Taveri on various machines. Please check out our Ebay auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount! You can always contact us for any requests. Please check out our Ebay auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.