In 1986, the lira ranged from 1663.14/dollar to 1379.44/dollar.

So 4MM lire = $2,405.09 - $2,899.73. Or accounting for inflation, in today's money, $4717.98 - $5688.30.

So about a 600% return. On the other hand, $2.5K in a Dow indexed fund from 1986 would bring you 750%, not including any dividends.

Aren't the intrawebz an amazing thing? That took me 5 minutes. But who buys a bike as an investment? That seems silly.