1974 Maico 400 GP
Engine Number:Correct. Frame Number:Correct
$7,000 - $9,000

Pay Dirt

Maicowerk A.G. was founded in 1926, originally assembling 98cc and 123 cc Ilo two-stroke motors. After World War II, the West German motorcycle manufacturer began producing its own unit construction two-stroke engines, selling engines and complete motorcycles. In later years, the company established a well-earned reputation for its purpose-built Motocross and Enduro machines which, for the time, were viciously competitive and intelligently designed. Maico’s highly successful racing models took on the well-funded Jap factories by producing numerous top-three finishes in both World and US Championship motocross competitions. U.S. publication Motocross Action Magazine called the Maico 490 Mega the greatest open class motocross bike of all time. The 1974/75 400cc GP is one of the most sought-after vintage MX and twin-shock motorcycles to this day. This particular example was reputedly brought back from Germany by a US marine in the late 1970s. It was a factory test ‘mule’ bike for various modifications that led to the short production run of 1974. Frame, and especially swing-arm, modifications show consistent factory weld patterns. The motor still offers factory-standard bore with little wear. The bike does not show signs of racing and is not a wheelsmith conversion. Overall, this iconic piece of VMX is in extraordinary condition and appears to have never been put to task.

Auction March 2013
Image and text courtesy Webbs Auction House NZ
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