MIKE HAILWOOD'S MACHINES

COUNT Agusta’s desk sits on a platform 18 inches high. His desk seat, throne-like and domineering, is just about high enough for him to peer down at those lucky enough (or unlucky enough) to be invited into his office.

This is a story about power; power on every level, powerful machines and powerful personalities. And the hotbed of this power – both in its human and mechanical form – was the sprawling Meccanica Verghera factory in Northern Italy, which was owned by Count Domenico Agusta.

And it was here where a young Mike Hailwood would have endless meetings and clashes with the formidable Count Agusta. Mike joined the MV elite in 1961. It was the ultimate coup in motorcycle racing: MV machines – especially the four-cylinder 500cc motorcycles – were the best in the business. To race for them was a privilege, a privilege shared only by the best, including Gary Hocking, Les Graham and John Surtees.

But it was a curious assignation, not least because in January 1961 the Count announced he was withdrawing from racing. This was in spite of the fact his MV Agusta race machines dominated the 500cc class – proving itself almost unbeatable. The Count’s main concern however, was building helicopters and this constituted the majority of his business.

The motorcycle interests at Meccanica Verghera