1974 Ducati 450 Desmo

Designed by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first overhead-camshaft single appeared in 1955. Desmodromic valve operation - whereby closure as well as opening was effected by cams - was a feature of the racing versions and would later be applied to the sportier roadsters. Small capacity lightweights were produced initially, the first 250cc models not arriving until 1961. The Bologna company's first 350 -¬ the Sebring tourer - followed in 1966. The first major revision to the original design occurred a couple of years later with the introduction of the 'wide case' motor that had a much wider rear engine mount. From then onwards the superseded earlier version became known as 'narrow case'. The first such 'wide case' model to appear was the 350 Mark 3 that debuted at the Cologne Show in September 1967, with production proper commencing the following summer. Changes to the 'wide case' models were not merely confined to the rear engine mount, Taglioni and his team taking the opportunity afforded by the redesign to incorporate a stronger con-rod and big-end bearing, and increase the capacity of the lubrication system. There were also improvements to the gearbox while the suspension and brakes remained - for the time being - unchanged. In '68 Ducati launched the first of its legendary 'Desmo' roadsters in 250cc and 350cc (actually 340cc) capacities, these two top-of-the-range super sports variants being distinguishable from the valve-spring models by virtue of their extra chrome and restrained 'D' decals on the side panels. Later that same year the Ducati roadster single appeared in its largest '450' (actually 436cc) incarnation that offered considerably more torque courtesy of the substantial hike in capacity. 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.

Unfortunately nothing is known of this 450 Desmo's history prior to its acquisition by the vendor over 20 years ago, since when it has been dry stored. Recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before the machine returns to the road and thus it is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). The odometer reading is 5,057 miles. There is no registration document with this Lot but is offered with a dating certificate.
Offered without key