Property of a deceased's estate; one owner from new, 1974 Ducati 750 GT

Designed by the legendary Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first road-going v-twin - the 750 GT - arrived in 1971. Lacking the resources of larger Far Eastern rivals, Ducati had made the most of what it already possessed to create one of the all-time great post-war motorcycles. A 90-degree vee, the engine looked like two of the Bologna firm's bevel-drive overhead-cam singles on a common crankcase (which in essence it was) though the coil valve springs represented a departure from Ducati's traditional hairpins. The 90-degree layout made for exceptional smoothness and a lengthy wheelbase, a handicap more apparent than real that failed to stop the fine-handling Ducatis notching up a succession of wins in Formula 750 events, commencing with Paul Smart's famous victory at Imola in April 1972. Without question, it was Smart's Imola win 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 750 MV Agusta of Giacomo Agostini.

This Ducati 750 GT was purchased new by the late owner, having been supplied by Tony Rutter Motorcycles of Cradley, Halesowen in September 1975, as recorded on the V5/V5C registration document under the previous owner. In the mid-1990s the 750 GT was restored by famous marque specialist John Wittman (Witty Ducati), and there is extensive correspondence relating to the rebuild on file, which is well worth perusal. Previously white, the Ducati was refinished in its current silver and black livery. A few years after completion, it was featured with its owner in Real Classic magazine (July 2022 edition; photocopy on file). We have been advised by the private vendor (the deceased's widow) that, while not used as regularly in recent years, the Ducati was started and run on a monthly basis, most recently in September.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, completeness, authenticity, originality, and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

Accompanying paperwork includes the following: old/current V5/V5C documents; Ducati Instruction manual; DVLA correspondence; expired MoTs; wiring diagrams; and a quantity of marque-related literature. It should be noted that the V5C/V5 documents omit the 'DM750S/DM750' prefix/suffix.
Offered with key