1971 Ducati 450 Desmo 'Silver Shotgun'

• Delivered new to South Africa
• Single family ownership from new
• UK registered since 2015

Superseding the Mark 3, Ducati introduced a new range of Desmo singles in 1971. One of Ducati's most memorable series of sports roadsters, these new 250/350/450 Desmos soon acquired the sobriquet 'Silver Shotgun', a reference to their eye-catching silver metallic paintwork. Standard equipment included Marzocchi front forks, Borrani alloy wheel rims, a Grimeca four-leading-shoe front brake, rear-set footrests, clip-on handlebars, and a white-faced Veglia rev counter. The fuel tank, seat base, side panels, and front mudguard were made of lightweight glassfibre. For 1973, the Desmo range was mildly restyled by Italjet's Leopoldo Tartarini (also responsible for the 750 Sport), the colour scheme changing from silver/black to yellow/black at the same time. Production effectively ended in 1974, though a tiny handful was produced in 1978. The example offered here is one of the early silver models, which many enthusiasts prefer. Produced at a time when both the British and United States distributors were in dispute with the Ducati factory, they are an extremely rare sight in those countries.

This Ducati 450 Desmo 'Silver Shotgun' was bought new by the vendor's late father circa 1973 having been standing unsold for a couple of years alongside a 250 Desmo (which he purchased also). He wasted no time in painting it red and fitting a megaphone, as can be seen from the photograph taken in 1974 alongside the 250, which got the same treatment later. The father was a founding member of the South African Motorcycle Club and owned many bikes (see obituary article on file). The Desmo was entered in Classic races in the late 1990s with a different tank and seat fitted (the engine may have been tuned with other cams installed).

After the vendor received the Ducati he gave it a light restoration and repaint, and registered it in the UK in 2015, passing the MoT with no problems. The machine has only been used once since then. It was started recently and is said to be running very well. Nevertheless, an oil change and recommissioning is advised before further use.

This 450 comes with a new silencer and downpipe, the original silver tank, plus reproduction panels, seat, and mudguard to restore it to the original colour. Alternative cams and a few other spares are included in the sale. Accompanying documents consist of a dating certificate, MoT (2015-2016) and a V5C.