The Italian brand F.B. Mondial was founded in Bologna in 1929. At first it only manufactured production vehicles, but in 1948 it started producing motorcycles and subsequently racing in various Grands Prix. In 1957 Cecil Sandford was signed to Mondial and the team switched to race in the 250 cc category, with Sandford taking the World Championship title and winning the Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix.

Despite the triumph, Mondial ceased racing the following year. The three ex-works motorcycles used by Sandford, including the frame and engine no. 111 shown here, were later sold to Venezuela and raced by 16-time national champion Adamo Tursini. In the 1980s they were brought back to Italy and restored by senior ex-Mondial engineers. This winning motorcycle has an estimate of £ 80,000 – 120,000 and will be auctioned in Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale held on 22 April.