LOT 12

1964 Ducati 204cc Elite Registration no. BTL 227B Frame no. 50528 (see text) Engine no. MD81404

Sold for £4,370 inc. premium

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Lot 12

1964 Ducati 204cc Elite

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 12:11 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1964 Ducati 204cc Elite
Registration no. BTL 227B
Frame no. 50528 (see text)
Engine no. MD81404

Designed by Fabio Taglioni, the first Ducati overhead-camshaft single - the 100 Gran Sport - appeared on the racetrack in 1954 and soon proved unbeatable in its class. Taglioni's versatile design proved capable of considerable enlargement, being produced in various capacities from the original 98cc up to 450cc. A pair of 175cc roadsters was introduced for the 1956 season, the sports version of which (known as the 'Silverstone' in the UK) was capable of more than 80mph, an astonishing achievement at the time and one that helped establish the giant killing reputation long enjoyed by Ducati's miniature masterpieces. In 1959 the engine capacity was increased to 204cc for the Elite and 200SS models, but from 1961 onwards the Elite's engine was based on that of the 250cc model. Top speed of either was in the region of 85mph. Lightweight, nimble, sure-footed and possessing a gem of an engine that sounds glorious when it comes 'on the cam', these little Dukes are a purist's delight to ride.

This Elite was first UK registered in September 2019 and was purchased in March 2021 from a private vendor. Restored by a previous owner, it is offered from a small private collection and has been dry stored and ridden sparingly. Relatively minor recommissioning and the customary safety checks should be required before returning it to the road. It should be noted the 'MD' frame prefix recorded to the V5C is not present to the machine. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and the 2021 purchase receipt.
Offered with key

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Additional information

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If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
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Buyers' Premium and Charges
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