A superb and rare photograph of the magnificent Morbidelli 500cc Grand Prix racer of 1979 and Graziano Rossi posing with his son, the legend Valentino Rossi and his 1997 Aprilia RS125 factory racer after winning the 125cc World Championship in 1997.

Morbidelli began as a woodworking shop building furniture and wooden coach bodies for automobiles. However, the founder Gianfranco Morbidelli’s greater passion lay in motorcycles and motorcycle racing. He used the woodworking business to finance his racing interests. In 1969, he entered a team in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championships with a 50-cc machine. He also commissioned the construction of a water-cooled disc valve 125 cc two-stroke of Rhingini design. The team won two 125 cc Grand Prix races with Italian rider Gilberto Parlotti at the beginning of the 1972 season, but tragedy struck when Parlotti was killed during the Isle of Man TT race. Despite Parlotti's death, Morbidelli persevered with his racing effort. Starting in 1974 Jorg Muller, previously the designer for Van Veen Kreidler, took over development. In 1975, he was rewarded with his first World Championship when Paolo Pileri won the 125-cc crown. His Morbidelli team-mate, Pier Paolo Bianchi finished in second. Pileri would repeat as 125 cc champion in 1976. The 1977 Grand Prix season would mark the height of Morbidelli's accomplishments when the team won both the 125 and 250 World Championship classes. Mario Lega won the 250 crown and Pier Paolo Bianchi would take the 125 honors.

Up until 1978 only team members had Morbidellis, and none were available for sale to private racers. A new factory was built with help from Benelli at Pesaro, called the MBA factory, (Morbidelli-Benelli-Armi), to produce Morbidelli motorcycles of 123 cc and 248 cc in quantity. These were raced successfully for several more years. Morbidelli would continue in Grand Prix competition until the 1980 season.

This is your rare chance to own a non-period image that reflects a very interesting piece of Morbidelli ‘s glorious history. Therefore, it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11" (ca. 20 x 27 cm) so it will be a beautiful collectable for framing.

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.