João hails from Coimbra, Portugal, and runs his workshop after hours. This is the second Redonda build we’ve featured, after his amazing Metisse-inspired Husaberg, and we’re now wondering if it’s time he went pro.
This time around, João was in the mood for something Italian. So he sourced the Mille GT and got stuck in.

Back in the day, the Mille GT’s 948cc engine was specc?d at 67 hp. Adequate, but hardly exciting?so João decided to remedy this.
He started by lightening up the flywheel and upgrading the distribution system with a more modern version. It hasn’t really squeezed any more horses out of the Guzzi, but it?s changed how it behaves: ?Now the engine gets up to speed very quickly?like a real race bike.?
The suspension’s all new, with upside-down Showa forks up front, and a pair of Öhlins shocks out back. João retained the stock rear drum brake, but upgraded the front with 6-piston calipers, a Nissin radial pump and two 330mm discs.
He?s kept the stock 18-inch wheels too, for a classic feel, but fitted Maxxis Promaxx Street rubber, a high-performance bias ply design.

The front fairing/headlight combo is a little unconventional, but we still dig it. Behind it is a new speedo and a set of clip-ons.
The tailpiece is a one-off, made from fiberglass to match the tank’s proportions. Inspiration for the dual taillights came from Italian sports cars of the 80s.

Elegant and distinct is right: this old Guzzi has all the...