PREVIEW LOT
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection,A Believed Ken Sprayson, Reynolds, 'Ducati' DOHC type frame
Estimate: £300 - £500
Preview Lot
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection, A Believed Ken Sprayson, Reynolds, 'Ducati' DOHC type frame
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection,A Believed Ken Sprayson, Reynolds, 'Ducati' DOHC type frame
Displaying remarkable similarities to the c.1960 Ducati 250cc DOHC frames fabricated by renowned frame builder Ken Sprayson of Reynolds for John Surtees, this intriguing and highly unusual chassis represents a fascinating piece of British racing motorcycle history.
Notably, Bonhams sold the ex-Mike Hailwood, John Surtees c.1960 Ducati 250cc DOHC Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle at the Spring Stafford Sale in April 2017 (Lot 218). At that time, the catalogue noted:
"Commissioned by John Surtees circa 1961, the ultra-rare machine offered here incorporates an ex-works Ducati desmodromic twin-cylinder engine, housed in a bespoke frame fabricated by maestro frame-maker Ken Sprayson. It is one of a pair, the other being a '350', built for Surtees using engines taken from machines supplied by Ducati for the use of Mike Hailwood."
Whether the present frame is one of those two machines, a third Reynolds-built example, or a later Surtees-inspired creation remains unknown. What can be said with confidence is that its distinctive single-sided lower frame cradle and overall layout closely mirror the design and construction of the period Surtees/Sprayson Ducati racing frames, making it an exceptionally rare component.
The frame is offered together with newly fabricated trailing-link front forks, a chromed swingarm, and a lightweight alloy fuel tank, presenting an enticing opportunity for a collector, historian, or marque specialist to investigate and potentially recreate a unique chapter of Ducati and John Surtees racing history.
Condition and completeness unknown. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this lot's component parts prior to bidding.
Notably, Bonhams sold the ex-Mike Hailwood, John Surtees c.1960 Ducati 250cc DOHC Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle at the Spring Stafford Sale in April 2017 (Lot 218). At that time, the catalogue noted:
"Commissioned by John Surtees circa 1961, the ultra-rare machine offered here incorporates an ex-works Ducati desmodromic twin-cylinder engine, housed in a bespoke frame fabricated by maestro frame-maker Ken Sprayson. It is one of a pair, the other being a '350', built for Surtees using engines taken from machines supplied by Ducati for the use of Mike Hailwood."
Whether the present frame is one of those two machines, a third Reynolds-built example, or a later Surtees-inspired creation remains unknown. What can be said with confidence is that its distinctive single-sided lower frame cradle and overall layout closely mirror the design and construction of the period Surtees/Sprayson Ducati racing frames, making it an exceptionally rare component.
The frame is offered together with newly fabricated trailing-link front forks, a chromed swingarm, and a lightweight alloy fuel tank, presenting an enticing opportunity for a collector, historian, or marque specialist to investigate and potentially recreate a unique chapter of Ducati and John Surtees racing history.
Condition and completeness unknown. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this lot's component parts prior to bidding.
Bonhams - For illustration purposes: The ex-Mike Hailwood, John Surtees c.1960 Ducati 250cc DOHC Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
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