1961 Ducati 175cc 'Silverstone'

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. The 175cc class was popular in Continental Europe and Ducati's first offerings in that category appeared towards the end of the 1950s. A pair of 175cc roadsters was introduced for the 1956 season, the Sport version of which (known as the 'Silverstone' in the UK) was capable of more than 80mph in road trim and close to the 'ton' when stripped for racing, an astonishing achievement at the time and one that helped establish the giant-killing reputation long enjoyed by Ducati's miniature masterpieces. Alongside it Ducati offered the 175 T (Turismo), which was made in a lower state of tune and became the TS (Turismo Speciale) for 1958. Manufactured for only a few seasons, these 175cc roadsters are today quite rare.

A keen Ducati enthusiast and collector, the private vendor acquired this rare Silverstone in 2024; his intention was to restore it to concours condition after his retirement, only for ill heath to scupper the project. The machine is offered from the owner's private collection, all of which were ridden for no more than 2 miles following acquisition and then stored within the vendor's house on static display. '737 STB' is notable as the only example of its type to win the coveted 'Best in Show' award at Stafford, as well as being the only UK-registered motorcycle to enter the famous Moto Giro d'Italia (see Classic Ducati paperwork on file, perusal recommended).

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). The odometer reading is 15,741 miles (at time of cataloguing/photography). Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. It should be noted that the V5C Registration Certificate omits the '175' frame and 'DM175 ST' engine prefix/suffix. Additional documents include an old VE.60 continuation logbook (issued 1968); SORN confirmation; and the previous owner's handwritten sales receipt (2014). It should be noted that the petrol hose/line has perished and detached but is included in the sale.
Offered with key