1975 Ducati 350cc Mark III

Designed by the legendary Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first overhead-camshaft single appeared in 1955. Desmodromic valve operation was a feature of the racing versions and would later be applied to the sportier roadsters. The first major revision to the original design occurred in 1967 with the introduction of the 'wide case' engine, which featured an aft engine mount wider than before and numerous other improvements, the most significant being a stronger big-end assembly. Mid-way through 1968 the Mark III was introduced in both valve-spring and Desmo versions, differences between the two being confined almost entirely to the cylinder head. Noteworthy subsequent developments included further increases in big-end size; the adoption of a Grimeca double-sided front brake; and the introduction of electronic ignition on the final Mark IIIs in 1973. Last produced in 1975, the latter came in blue/gold (valve-spring) and yellow (Desmo) colour schemes, while a Brembo front disc brake was an option on the Desmos.

A keen Ducati enthusiast, the private vendor acquired this 350 Mark III in 2015; his intention was to restore it to concours condition after his retirement, only for ill heath to scupper the project. The Ducati 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. According to our vendor: "I was informed that this bike had won a race (possibly two races) in Italy, hence the two lead seals on the frame. I believe it may have been modified for the races due to the 'strengthening plate' as per a scrambler beneath the seat, across the frame".

A 2014 letter on file from Classic Ducati states that they restored this machine for the 50-Year Celebrations of Ducati at Misano, Italy, and that it was awarded 2nd place in the Café Racer concours competition (perusal recommended).

Following a period of inactivity, the Ducati will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding (the engine turns over). The current odometer reading is 4,275 miles (at the time of cataloguing/photography).

The machine displays a tax disc expiring on 30th April 2015, while accompanying documents include a current V5C Registration Certificate; expired MoTs (2014/2015); and the aforementioned Classic Ducati correspondence. It should be noted that the V5C omits the 'DM450S' frame and 'DM350' engine prefix.
Offered with key