1974 Ducati 750 SS

• Landmark Ducati model
• First UK registered in 1984
• Known UK ownership history
• Fully restored by Made in Italy Motorcycles
• Offered from a significant private collection

It was, without question, Paul Smart's famous victory at Imola in April 1972 that really put Ducati's new v-twin on the map. It was a particularly sweet occasion for hitherto un-fancied Ducati, as the Bologna factory defeated not only the race-proven Triumph Tridents of Percy Tait, John Cooper and Ray Pickrell, but also the works MV Agusta of Giacomo Agostini. With such an outstanding pedigree, the 750 SS was a natural choice for racing's Superbike category, and later on proved highly competitive in AMA 'Battle of the Twins' (BOTT) and club Super Street racing in the 1980s.

Smart's bike was based on the 750 Sport roadster introduced that same year. The racer's cycle parts remained close to stock - even the centre stand lugs were retained! - merely being up-rated with triple Lockheed disc brakes, while the engine gained desmodromic cylinder heads, high-compression pistons and stronger con-rods. When the definitive production version - the 750 SS - appeared in 1974 it differed little in overall conception from the Imola '72 bikes, among the most obvious external differences being the adoption of a centre-axle fork and Brembo front brakes. The big 'Imola' fuel tank and humped racing seat both featured on the road bike, which wore a cockpit faring rather than the racer's fuller streamlining.

The 750 SS received rave reviews in the motorcycling press, being hailed by Cycle magazine as "a bike that stands at the farthest reaches of the sporting world - the definitive factory-built café racer". Today the 750 SS is regarded as a true landmark model, and with its distinctive green frame and silver bodywork has become one of the most sought-after of all 1970s superbikes.

This example, frame number '075141' with engine '075190', is supported by a 2010 dating letter from Fen Tiger Classic Ltd, confirming manufacture in May 1974. Marque authority Ian Falloon has further confirmed the authenticity of the factory stamps to both frame and engine.

The Ducati retains its original Scarab brakes (currently requiring a rebuild) and is fitted with Borrani WM3/2.15x18" alloy rims and correct Dell'Orto PHM40AD and S carburettors. The current odometer reading is 28,904 kilometres (17,960 miles). Ian Falloon comments: "The front carb is correct, as is the rear rim. Front rim is a later replacement. Front master cylinder from a 750 Sport otherwise a pretty decent bike."

The Ducati's ownership history is known back to 1984 when it was first imported into the UK and registered with a 'Q' plate by Robert Gibbs of Nuneaton. Subsequently purchased by William Clayton of Wigan in 1985, it was retained by him until 2000 when it was purchased by noted Ducati collector, Scott Muir. Mr Muir bought the 750 SS as a non-runner, partly disassembled and with the 'Q' plate still in place. He registered the machine with an age-related registration and had it fully restored by Made in Italy Motorcycles, who sold it to the current vendor in 2012 on Scott's behalf.

Forming part of a significant private collection since then, this 750 SS represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the great landmark Ducatis. The machine is offered with two expired MoTs; part old V5Cs; a CD-ROM of the build; some period photographs; and a current V5C document.
Offered with key