LOT 403 *N
The Hans Schifferle Collection 1974 Ducati 750SS Registration no. not registered Frame no. DM750SS *075105 Engine no. 075122 DM750.1
Sold for £115,000 inc. premium
Lot 403*,N
The Hans Schifferle Collection, 1974 Ducati 750SSRegistration no. not registered Frame no. DM750SS *075105 Engine no. 075122 DM750.1
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
The Hans Schifferle Collection
1974 Ducati 750SS
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. DM750SS *075105
Engine no. 075122 DM750.1
1974 Ducati 750SS
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. DM750SS *075105
Engine no. 075122 DM750.1
• Landmark Ducati model
• Correct numbers and stamps
• An older restoration
• Owned by Hans Schifferle since 2002
It was, without question, Paul Smart's famous victory at Imola in April 1972 that really put Ducati's new v-twin on the map. It was a particularly sweet occasion for hitherto un-fancied Ducati, as the Bologna factory defeated not only the race-proven Triumph Tridents of Percy Tait, John Cooper and Ray Pickrell, but also the works 750 MV Agusta of Giacomo Agostini. With such an outstanding pedigree, the 750SS was a natural choice for racing's Superbike category, and later on proved highly competitive in AMA 'Battle of the Twins' (BOTT) and club Super Street racing in the 1980s.
Smart's bike was based on the 750 Sport roadster introduced that same year. The racer's cycle parts remained close to stock - even the centre stand lugs were retained! - merely being up-rated with triple Lockheed disc brakes while the engine gained desmodromic cylinder heads, high-compression pistons and stronger con-rods. When the definitive production version - the 750SS - appeared in 1974 it differed little in overall conception from the Imola '72 bikes, among the most obvious external differences being the adoption of a centre-axle fork and Brembo front brakes. The big 'Imola' fuel tank and humped racing seat both featured on the road bike, which wore a cockpit faring rather than the racer's fuller streamlining.
The 750SS received rave reviews in the motorcycling press, being hailed by Cycle magazine as "a bike that stands at the farthest reaches of the sporting world - the definitive factory-built café racer". Today the 750SS is regarded as a true landmark model and is one of the most sought-after of all Ducatis.
A letter on file from Helmut Lichtenberg states that Hans Schifferle bought this Ducati 750SS in June 2002 from the Turin-based collector, Genni Carelli. It is believed that the machine had been restored by Mario Sassi (see tank sticker). The motorcycle was sent directly from Italy to the Schmid car dealership in Höhenkirchen, Germany where Herr Lichtenberg was responsible for the motorcycle department. He inspected the Ducati thoroughly on behalf of Mr Schifferle, recommissioned it and prepared it for the German TüV (MoT equivalent). The original wheels including the rims, spokes and wheel bearings were found to be in excellent condition. New rim tape was fitted together with new Pirelli tyres and inner-tubes. The motorcycle passed the TüV without problems and was registered in Germany on 14th May 2003, since when it has been rarely and carefully used. Only 3,670 kilometres have been covered since restoration. Helmut Lichtenberg stated that in 2010 the Ducati was in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition (see aforementioned letter on file).
Marque specialist Ian Falloon has confirmed that he knows this 750SS and that there is no problem regarding its provenance and authenticity. The numbers and stamps are correct, and the machine is recorded in his registry. Both rare and highly desirable, this iconic Ducati is offered with a 1974 Ducati 750cc spare parts catalogue; German Fahrseugschein and Fahrzeugbrief (de-registered); expired TüV certificate; assorted correspondence; and the aforementioned letter from Helmut Lichtenberg.
• Correct numbers and stamps
• An older restoration
• Owned by Hans Schifferle since 2002
It was, without question, Paul Smart's famous victory at Imola in April 1972 that really put Ducati's new v-twin on the map. It was a particularly sweet occasion for hitherto un-fancied Ducati, as the Bologna factory defeated not only the race-proven Triumph Tridents of Percy Tait, John Cooper and Ray Pickrell, but also the works 750 MV Agusta of Giacomo Agostini. With such an outstanding pedigree, the 750SS was a natural choice for racing's Superbike category, and later on proved highly competitive in AMA 'Battle of the Twins' (BOTT) and club Super Street racing in the 1980s.
Smart's bike was based on the 750 Sport roadster introduced that same year. The racer's cycle parts remained close to stock - even the centre stand lugs were retained! - merely being up-rated with triple Lockheed disc brakes while the engine gained desmodromic cylinder heads, high-compression pistons and stronger con-rods. When the definitive production version - the 750SS - appeared in 1974 it differed little in overall conception from the Imola '72 bikes, among the most obvious external differences being the adoption of a centre-axle fork and Brembo front brakes. The big 'Imola' fuel tank and humped racing seat both featured on the road bike, which wore a cockpit faring rather than the racer's fuller streamlining.
The 750SS received rave reviews in the motorcycling press, being hailed by Cycle magazine as "a bike that stands at the farthest reaches of the sporting world - the definitive factory-built café racer". Today the 750SS is regarded as a true landmark model and is one of the most sought-after of all Ducatis.
A letter on file from Helmut Lichtenberg states that Hans Schifferle bought this Ducati 750SS in June 2002 from the Turin-based collector, Genni Carelli. It is believed that the machine had been restored by Mario Sassi (see tank sticker). The motorcycle was sent directly from Italy to the Schmid car dealership in Höhenkirchen, Germany where Herr Lichtenberg was responsible for the motorcycle department. He inspected the Ducati thoroughly on behalf of Mr Schifferle, recommissioned it and prepared it for the German TüV (MoT equivalent). The original wheels including the rims, spokes and wheel bearings were found to be in excellent condition. New rim tape was fitted together with new Pirelli tyres and inner-tubes. The motorcycle passed the TüV without problems and was registered in Germany on 14th May 2003, since when it has been rarely and carefully used. Only 3,670 kilometres have been covered since restoration. Helmut Lichtenberg stated that in 2010 the Ducati was in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition (see aforementioned letter on file).
Marque specialist Ian Falloon has confirmed that he knows this 750SS and that there is no problem regarding its provenance and authenticity. The numbers and stamps are correct, and the machine is recorded in his registry. Both rare and highly desirable, this iconic Ducati is offered with a 1974 Ducati 750cc spare parts catalogue; German Fahrseugschein and Fahrzeugbrief (de-registered); expired TüV certificate; assorted correspondence; and the aforementioned letter from Helmut Lichtenberg.
Footnotes
* Import VAT Low Rate
Import tax at the reduced rate of 5% of the Hammer Price and Buyers Premium will apply should the lot remain in the UK.
N (NOVA): This lot is subject to a fee of £125 + VAT payable by the Buyer, to undertake the relevant NOVA and C88 (Customs) clearance applications. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
There is an Egli invoice on file for this lot
Additional information
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
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