1969 Ducati 450 MkIII Desmo

Registration no. HWR 162G Frame no. DM450 451100 Engine no. DM450 451100

• Eleganza prize winner
• 2019 Motogiro entrant
• Top of the range Super Sport variant

By the mid-fifties Ducati was facing closure, so in a final throw of the dice hired Fabio Taglioni to design a bike to win the Motogiro. This and the Milano Taranto were known as the Gran Fondo (big ride) races, travelling across the Italian countryside as the ultimate high speed marketing machine, regularly making the front pages of newspapers. Taglioni's bevel drive overhead cam Gran Sport was the result, taking every place but one in the 1955 giro 100cc class, and fifth overall, only beaten by 175s.The following year a 125cc version would win outright, securing Ducati's future and ultimately being developed into 250 and 350 versions.

The next significant development of Ducati's singles were the 'wide case' models of 1967. Changes were not just confined to the wider rear engine crankcase casting and frame mounting: Taglioni and his team also incorporated a stronger con-rod and big-end bearing, alongside improvements to the lubrication system and gearbox. There was also fulfilment of a Taglioni dream, with desmodromic valve actuation now available on production models, not just the racers. These top-of-the-range super sports variants were distinguished by their extra chrome and restrained 'D' decals on the side panels.

Late in 1968 the Ducati single appeared in its largest '450' (actually 436cc) incarnation, which offered considerably more torque courtesy of the substantial hike in capacity, and additional frame bracing to allow a rider to make the most of it. They are a joy to ride, especially on Italian mountain roads. Bike magazine wrote in 1975 that they offer "that rare blend of two wheeled excitement, satisfaction and safety".

This particular 450 MkIII Desmo motorcycle was imported from the US and then fettled and UK registered by Made In Italy Motorcycles of Stowmarket several years ago, a business much admired by the UK cognoscenti. The current owner reports that it ran very well during the 2019 Motogiro D'Italia, winning the "Eleganza" prize offered by the Ducati Museum and presented by director Livio Lodi who considered it "a most original and well preserved motorcycle".

Original parts, including the Borrani rims and heel/toe gear-lever, are included, as the 450D is currently fitted with stainless steel rims and a conventional gear lever, as well as a12v conversion. It is offered with two keys and a current V5C registration certificate.

In common with many Ducatis imported from the US the frame number plaque is absent and the frame number is not a factory stamping, and duplicates the engine number. However it is as recorded on the V5C. Accordingly prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the origins, date and suitability of the machine's component parts prior to bidding.
Offered with key