1974 Ducati 750SS

• One of only 24 delivered new in the UK
• Known ownership history
• Restored condition
• Present ownership since 2011
• Offered from an important private collection

Only 401 round-case Ducati 750SS production models were manufactured by the Ducati factory between January and March 1974. Only three 1973 prototype models are believed to have survived, all of which went to the USA. The production machines are understood to have been built in two batches of 200, the first tranche assembled between 2nd and 10th January 1974, and the second between late January and March. Only 24 are known to have been brought into the UK in 1974 by the importers, Coburn & Hughes.

This is one of the original 24 UK bikes imported during 1974, although it is not possible to determine from which of the two production runs it originates. Its numbers are '075286' (frame) and '075011' (engine) (listed (in error) with the numbers transposed in Ian Falloon's The Book on the Ducati 750SS Round Case 1974).

'VWT 91N' was first registered on 6th September 1974 to Allan Jefferies Motorcycles of Shipley, West Yorkshire, who had acquired it (and possibly at least one other) from the importers. Unfortunately, the paper records of Allan Jefferies Motorcycles (relating to that year) have been lost or destroyed so there is no corroborative record of the Ducati's delivery and subsequent sale apart from entries on copy registration documents from the DVLA in the UK.

In February 1975, the Ducati was acquired by the London Motorcycle Centre and, it is believed, was raced during that season (it is not known by whom) before being sold to Rodney Gordon in January 1976. In all probability the London Motorcycle Centre replaced it with the newer 1975 900SS which had just been released. Rodney Gordon and family members used it for the next 10 years as a road bike before it fell into disrepair. It was sold on in 1986 to a Simon Cauty. Nothing is known about its time in his ownership but it is reported by its subsequent owner, John Fallon (later of Made in Italy Motorcycles), that it was incomplete and a non-runner. The Ducati was effectively in storage at this time. In February 1991 John sold it to the previous owner as a rolling chassis (frame, engine and cycle parts - see images in history file). In October/November 1995 an engine rebuild was carried out by Steve Wynne of Sports Motorcycles Racing Limited. Works undertaken comprised the following:

• Rebuilt cylinder heads, including new valves, valve guides/seals, valve seats, repairs to exhaust threads, modified rockers for extended guide seals
• New (believed to be Staschl) racing con-rods and big-end assembly
• New V2 pistons, rebore and hone
• New main bearings
• Imola cams
• New first gear and slider, and layshaft
• Renewal of all ancillary consumables

The worn primary drive gears noted by Wynn were replaced by the then owner, who estimates the total cost of the restoration to have been in excess of £30,000.

Between March 2010 and May 2011 (and in consultation with the Ducati authority Ian Falloon) a chassis rebuild, refinishing of bodywork and frame, and all non-engine work had been carried out to return the Ducati to original specification. The engine was set up and first run on 23rd May 2011 (it started first kick). Non-original cycle parts include the following:

• 1973 750SS fork sliders (which had callipers sited behind the fork legs when axle inserted from the correct r/h side (otherwise identical to 1974 sliders)
• All glassfibre is replacement (and better than original)
Seat foam and covering is replacement (and better than original)
Rubber breather bellows to flapper valve
• Fuel pipe: new Cavis Benz (13x7mm)
• Tyres: new Japanese Dunlop TT100s
• Hydraulic hoses and fittings are new modern stainless steel
• Lucas RITA ignition kit dating from 1976 (original contemporaneous replacement for OE points, etc)

As presented here the Ducati displays the following notable features: Borrani wheel rims stamped '4777' (front and rear); JOD headlamp glass; Marzocchi front forks; Scarab front brake callipers; Lockheed rear calliper; and Dell'Orto PHM 40A carburettors.

Accompanying documentation includes the following:

• Sports Motorcycles engine rebuild invoice of November 1995 (£2,943)
• Images 'as found' and post restoration
• Well used Ducati technical sheet with some handwritten annotation for racing
• Letter from Nick Jefferies of Allan Jefferies Motorcycles dated October 1993
• Email (copy) to Ian Falloon regarding the availability (or non-availability) of original components

The machine also comes with an old style V5 document (all other V5s and old logbooks on file are photocopies). Our vendor, its next owner, acquired the 750SS in July 2011, since when it has been kept as part of his important private collection of motorcycles. Unused since purchase, it is offered for recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and is sold strictly as viewed.

According to renowned Ducati authority Ian Falloon: "I know the bike well as (the vendor) consulted me regarding its restoration after he bought it... It's not a preproduction model, just a very early engine number. I would just like to add that the restoration is very accurate, with excellent attention to detail." Very high praise indeed.