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LOT 420

1961 Ducati 250cc Mach 1 Racing Motorcycle Frame no. DM250*81617 Engine no. B74 X S 57.8

Sold for £3,450 inc. premium
Lot 420

1961 Ducati 250cc Mach 1 Racing Motorcycle

1961 Ducati 250cc Mach 1 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. DM250*81617
Engine no. B74 X S 57.8

• Neil Brailsford's first racing motorcycle
• Engine extensively modified
• Paraded at CRMC events

Neil Brailsford first built this Ducati in 1967 using a 1961 Mach 1 engine and frame, and raced it in Bemsee, KRC, Newmarket and 'Lord of Lydden' events from 1967 to 1976. Sold in '76, the bike went into the private collection of Bill Rose of Bemsee. The Ducati stayed there unused for many years and was eventually sold in 2008 and started racing again in Classic events. In 2018 Neil was able to buy back what was his original race bike. Jerry Fiford (former many-time Bemsee Champion) had owned and ridden the Ducati for many years and its thanks to him that Neil was able to buy it back again.

The machine has not been rebuilt, but rather it is just how Neil raced it in 1967 with the exception of the high-level exhaust to meet modern noise regulations. The Ducati Mach 1 engine was modified from the old hairpin-type valve springs to coil springs. The inlet tract has been bored to accept the new 32mm Amal Concentric Mark 1 carburettor, now rubber mounted. Twin-plug ignition has been fitted also. The vendor advises us that the engine was fully rebuilt.
The lubrication system has been modified to give external positive feed to the camshaft to prevent cam failure which can occur with the original system when racing. The alloy fuel tank is an original Vic Camp item from the 1960s. The front brake is a single-sided Ducati component, while at the rear there is a single-sided brake using the original Ducati hub. The exhaust system was ceramic coated in 2022.

The Ducati has been paraded at various classic events including Donington Park, Cadwell Park, Snetterton, Mallory Park and Castle Combe. It was last used in 2021. offered with a CRMC Registration Certificate.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is: DM250 M100433

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