c.1975 Ducati 340cc Mark III 350

• Full engine rebuild by Ducati Technical Services
• Late model Mark 3
• Original engine & frame

In 1954 Ducati hired designer Fabio Taglioni, and it is no coincidence that, from that point, Ducati creations were more sporting-oriented. Unsurprisingly, Ducati's involvement with racing began soon after Taglioni's arrival, and started with a 98cc overhead camshaft engine. Later, for racing, came the double overhead cam engine with desmodromic valve operation, which was to become a feature of many future Ducatis. Triumphant in its first Grand Prix outing, the 'desmo' was here to stay. The road singles of the 1950s and 60s continued in 100, 125, 175 and 200 capacities, whilst smaller machines were given over to two stroke engines. Capacities of the four stroke singles grew to 250, 350 and eventually 450 throughout the sixties, with road, sports and street scrambler versions and desmodromic valve operation eventually appearing on the road bikes from 1968 onward. The Mark 3 singles were released in 1968, and continued to 1975 in both standard Mark 3 and Desmo versions, there being little or no difference in performance between the two.

NOK 703R was purchased by the vendor in January 2007 from a member of the Gold Star Owners Club. Thereafter, he used the machine on a regular basis, alongside his other machines until 2012, when he felt it needed some mechanical work. It was temporarily retired to the garage until he could give it his attention, and then, in 2017 the bike was entrusted to Ducati Technical Services for a mechanical overhaul. DTS duly removed and stripped the engine, and carried out a full engine rebuild which involved replacing valves, guides, big end, small end, piston & rebore, bearings, rockers and camshaft, and other work including some cosmetic attention to the casings. The engine was refitted, and the machine returned to the vendor. The invoice (totalling £4181-60) and related correspondence are included in the history file. Unfortunately, due to advancing years, coupled with joint problems, the vendor has been unable to ride the Mark 3 since the rebuild, and a prospective buyer should therefore note that it will need to be run-in and recommissioned to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road. Whilst the year listed on the registration documents is 1976, it is believed that the actual year is 1975, as indicated by the vin and engine plates. A 12-volt Lucas Rita electronic ignition system is fitted, together with a new Amal Carburettor.

Documentation comprises a current V5C, two old V5Cs, a quantity of expired MoTs, Haynes and Clymer workshop manuals, the aforementioned invoice, and sundry papers.
Offered with key