The Magni - Guzzi Prototypes
Featured - Barry Jones Interview
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What was Alfio Micheli up to with P1?
It was “Italian Year - The Return of Agostini”. A bunch of amazing riders there, Romero Columbo, Umberto Masetti, Alfio Michaeli, Giacomo Agostini and others.
It was a massive event. At lunchtime on Sunday, Alfio roared into the pits on his 500, chucked his bike at someone, threw himself over the Magni and …
Where Things Began
Ted Stolarski inspired the creation of two prototype 4V Moto Guzzi powered Magni racing bikes.
Enthusiasts of Italian motorcycles and motorcycling history need little introduction to the names Moto Guzzi and Magni, but not all are aware of what these two famous marques achieved in collaboration with little known West Australian motorcycle importer and racer, Ted Stolarski.
Two Prototypes
At the behest of Ted, famed engineer Arturo Magni developed two very special motorcycles that were in fact prototypes of the now highly desirable Magni Australia. Powered by the two 4V-OHC prototype engines the Guzzi factory had gifted Ted for his efforts to promote Moto Guzzi and in response to his request for “A Guzzi racebike!”.
From Workshop Idea to Realisation.
Born from an idea in a workshop in Perth. These two bikes were hugely successful during the 1990’s; they have amazing history and pedigree. Incredibly they are dual prototype machines that carry the DNA of what would become Moto Guzzi’s premier new sports bike in 1992, the beautiful 4V-OHC powered Daytona, and also a year later in the spectacular Magni Australia. So named in honour of Ted and his efforts.
Ted Stolarski & The Prototypes
“Not bad for a tourer!”
It all began with an idea. Two very special machines powered by the 4V-OHC Moto Guzzi prototype engine. Housed in Arturo Magni’s prototype Magni Australia frames.
Personal Accounts
A Quick Word
The accounts below are personal recollections by the two owners/caretakers of the prototypes. Prototype #1 belongs to Barry Jones and Prototype #2 belongs to Matt Compton. Elements of these accounts are from many years ago therefore some minor details may vary however we have attempted to reflect the facts as accurately as possible. Please contact us if you have any corrections or contributions. We hope you enjoy these reflections.
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Barry Jones
“One day I HAVE TO RIDE THAT THING!!”
Matt Compton
“I immediately took to Italian V-twins, astounded at what I’d been missing.”
Interviews
A Quick Word
Below are the interviews conducted with various people that had involvement with Ted Stolarski and the two prototypes. These people generously gave of their time to share their memories and knowledge for the audience of this website. With these recollections we have attempted to capture the essence of who Ted Stolarski was and the unique history of the prototypes. It was decided to keep the interview format and as much as possible of the original language used to capture each individual’s personality.
This website is a living document, with information being updated and added as this project develops. Some minor details within the accounts conflict with others and may not be accurate due to differing recollections from many years ago. Please contact us if you have any corrections or contributions. It is our hope you enjoy and appreciate these stories.
Barry Jones
“Yeah, bloody oath, it’s a piece of history. A fabulous piece of history!”
Russell Aylward
“Ted said, ‘Yeah I’ve got another engine and Magni made me another frame’”.
Brook Henry
“Ted had a saying that he used to say all the time ... ”
Chris Cooke
“I died three times.”
Owen Coles
“And I thought, “You beauty!””
Dave Hand
“ Ted and Dulcie would get mad at me if I didn’t come home from work for lunch.”
Mark Purdy
“Well, I nearly got killed a few times on the Guzzis.”
Simon Turner
“We surprised a lot of people on Ted’s bikes …”
Teo Lamers
Amedeo Castellani
“As Owen pulls away all this shit flies out the back … and the fat guy starts chasing after him …”
Ben Jones
Clive Brannan
Nick Tomkinson
Articles
A Quick Word
Below are several historically relevent articles, some that have featured the prototypes over the years.
Minor details within the articles may conflict with others.
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It’s A Guzzi, Right?
“Thank you very much, I’ll have the engine.”
The Other V-Twin Racer
“A seriously grunty motor.”
Magni-Guzzi: The Aussie Connection
“So now Stolarski has two Magni-Guzzis.”
Simon Turner Punts Magni SFIDA
“We want to build a second bike . . . ”
Magni Force
“One of the best kept secrets . . . “
Unusual Bike At Races
“With Kiwi racer Simon Turner onboard.”
Keeping The Legend Alive
“… really sets the Magni-Guzzis apart.“
Guzzi Daytona For Oz
“A sample of the new-generation machine.”
Big Honor For Tough Daytona Test Frame
“It has been by far the highlight.“
Magni Guzzi Australia
Early brochure for Magni.
Raceco Moto Guzzi: Turbo-tractor
“In fact, you can even up-shift without the clutch…”
Dr John Rides Again
“This is a restriction that I actually enjoy…”
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