1972 1000 3c Bol D’Or

 

In 1972 Laverda also campaigned a triple alongside the factory-entered SFCs at several events. This machine looked very SFC-like because it was fitted with an SFC fairing, seat and what looked like an SFC tank, but due to differences in the design of the frame it was actually an alloy tank that had been specially fabricated for this machine. Just like the SFC racers, the engine had the cut-away side covers to gain access to the chain and it had the quick oil filler cap of the SFC. The front brake was Laverda’s standard racing fitment, the reliable 230mm Ceriani drum, fitted in 35mm Ceriani forks.

 The frame was very close to standard with the exception of rear sets mounted on aluminium plates. It was entered for the ‘Silver Cup’ Endurance race in Austria and factory rider Augusto Brettoni won on the machine’s debut.  Later that season, a further modified version was prepared for the Bol d’Or, a machine that will be familiar from the period promotional pictures in brochures. The front brake had been upgraded to a hefty 250mm Fontana item and the handsome tank was again made of aluminium but with a sleeker, rounded profile referring more to the standard tank of the 3C. An SFC type fairing was fitted , equipped with twin SEV Marchal headlights.

 

Another eye-catching modification was that the front of the engine was lifted to gain more ground clearance for the big alternator, and even the frame tubes were flattened under the engine for the same reason. These big 1000cc factory racers had a short but useful life in racing terms, they proved the worth of the 1000cc triple in racing conditions and helped establish Laverda’s reputation as a  large capacity sports bike manufacturer.

 

Technical Specs

 

Type;   Bol D’Or 1000
Year; 1972
Displacement ; 981cc
Engine type; DOHC 2 valve, three cylinder
Frame type; steel double cradle
Transmission;  5 speed
Power output; 90bhp
Maximum speed; 240kph
Number produced;  1

 

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