Collector of all things but collector extraordinaire of Italian motorcycles, Gary Kohs' 71-bike MV Agusta private collection will be auctioned at the 2012 Monterey auction in California by Mecum Auctions on Saturday 18 August.

Enthusiast Kohs has spent much of his life collecting, enjoying and restoring the bikes, and he readily admits falling in love with the artistry of the marque. He said: “This is not just a collection of motorcycles, this is a collection of art, and I’m thrilled that Dana Mecum and his staff agree that keeping it together as one is so important. MV Agusta is the only marque that can truly represent the post-war history of the motorcycle, and I look forward to sharing it all with the international motorcycle community.”

The collection in its entirety represents the complete post-war history of Italian motorcycle including the legendary first year production 1946 MV 98cc '3 Velocita' and early factory team race bikes, to limited production F4 superbikes of the 21st century. View gallery highlights

Gavin Trippe, motorcycle division manager at Mecum Auctions added: “A collection of this scale, depth, and quality is a rare accomplishment worthy of international celebration. We are pleased that Mr Kohs has entrusted Mecum to offer his world-class collection at our auction in Monterey. Headlined by the 1953/54 ex-works 125 Grand Prix Racer, winner of the Isle of Man TT, virtually every model of motorcycle, race bike, scooter, and agricultural tricycle from the MV factory is represented.”

Established specialist auctioneers Mecum Auctions has comprehensive imagery and videos of the models on offer on its website, plus details on bid registering details.

The MV Agusta Collection will be on display for preview during the month of May in Indianapolis, Ind., as well as Monterey, California in July and August during MotoGP at Laguna Seca, and will remain on display in Monterey until the auction on August 16-18th. For the most up to date information, schedule of events, preview times, visit www.mecum.com/mvagusta

DO visit the site and marvel at one of the finest collections - if not the finest private motorcycle collection - you'll ever set eyes on.