LOT 471
1958 Ducati 175cc Formula 3 Production Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 509 Engine no. F509
Estimate: £36,000 - £42,000
Lot 471
1958 Ducati 175cc Formula 3 Production Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. not registered Frame no. 509 Engine no. F509
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1958 Ducati 175cc Formula 3 Production Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 509
Engine no. F509
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 509
Engine no. F509
• Ultra-rare and desirable factory production racer
• One of circa 45 175cc F3s made
• An older restoration
• Present ownership since 1990
For the production racing classes, Ducati offered its Formula 3 model in 125cc, 175cc and (later) 250cc capacities. Although visibly similar to their road-going equivalents, these were very different motorcycles featuring sand-cast crankcases and special engine internals, while the camshaft bevels and primary drive featured straight-cut gears. The gearbox was a four-speeder. Lower and lighter than the roadster versions, the frames featured a lower steering head, shorter forks and a shorter swinging arm. Brakes were upgraded to racing specification. The Formula 3's first major success came in 1958, shortly after its introduction, when Franco Villa rode one to victory in the 175 F3 race supporting the Grand Prix des Nations at Monza. In its native Italy the 125 Formula 3 would provide Ducati with regular victories in the class into the mid-1960s.
Only around 45 175cc Formula 3s were made. The engine numbers started at F501, making this one the ninth produced. These bikes were built by Ducati's race mechanics, not by the production line fitters, and shared the bore and stroke of the road bikes but little else.
This example was originally shipped to Argentina and imported into the UK in 1990 in a container with several other bikes. Already restored, it was bought by the current vendor, who at the time was an ACU National Licence holder and treasurer of the Ducati Owners Club GB.
The current owner took the Ducati to Cadwell Park but noticed after the first practice session that the magnesium front hub's spoke flanges were showing signs of cracking. The hub was rebuilt with alloy flanges by brake specialist Dick Hunt. The bike has been in the current owner's private collection since then. It has won awards at the Bristol Classic Bike Show and was featured in Henry Cole's The Motorbike Show in 2018.
Last run in 1990, the machine is described by the vendor as in very good condition throughout. An incorrect front mudguard is he only notified deviation from factory specification.
• One of circa 45 175cc F3s made
• An older restoration
• Present ownership since 1990
For the production racing classes, Ducati offered its Formula 3 model in 125cc, 175cc and (later) 250cc capacities. Although visibly similar to their road-going equivalents, these were very different motorcycles featuring sand-cast crankcases and special engine internals, while the camshaft bevels and primary drive featured straight-cut gears. The gearbox was a four-speeder. Lower and lighter than the roadster versions, the frames featured a lower steering head, shorter forks and a shorter swinging arm. Brakes were upgraded to racing specification. The Formula 3's first major success came in 1958, shortly after its introduction, when Franco Villa rode one to victory in the 175 F3 race supporting the Grand Prix des Nations at Monza. In its native Italy the 125 Formula 3 would provide Ducati with regular victories in the class into the mid-1960s.
Only around 45 175cc Formula 3s were made. The engine numbers started at F501, making this one the ninth produced. These bikes were built by Ducati's race mechanics, not by the production line fitters, and shared the bore and stroke of the road bikes but little else.
This example was originally shipped to Argentina and imported into the UK in 1990 in a container with several other bikes. Already restored, it was bought by the current vendor, who at the time was an ACU National Licence holder and treasurer of the Ducati Owners Club GB.
The current owner took the Ducati to Cadwell Park but noticed after the first practice session that the magnesium front hub's spoke flanges were showing signs of cracking. The hub was rebuilt with alloy flanges by brake specialist Dick Hunt. The bike has been in the current owner's private collection since then. It has won awards at the Bristol Classic Bike Show and was featured in Henry Cole's The Motorbike Show in 2018.
Last run in 1990, the machine is described by the vendor as in very good condition throughout. An incorrect front mudguard is he only notified deviation from factory specification.
Footnotes
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.
Additional information
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