1974 Ducati 250 Mark 3 Desmo

Designed by 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 when the 'wide case' engine was introduced. The first of the revised 'wide case' models to appear was the 350 Mark 3 that debuted at the Cologne Show in September 1967, with production proper commencing the following summer. Changes to the 'wide case' models were not merely confined to the rear engine mount, Taglioni and his team taking the opportunity afforded by the redesign to incorporate a stronger con-rod and big-end bearing, and increase the capacity of the lubrication system. There were also improvements to the gearbox while the suspension and brakes remained - for the time being - unchanged.

Mid way through 1968 Ducati launched the first of the legendary 'Desmo' roadsters in 250cc and 350cc (actually 340cc) capacities, these two top-of-the-range super-sports variants being distinguishable from the valve-spring models by virtue of their extra chrome. Mechanical differences between the valve-spring and Desmo versions were 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 3s 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.

This Mark 3 Desmo was purchased recently from the second owner having been garage stored since 1982. Since acquisition the vendor has carried out the following recommissioning:

• Drained fuel
• Cleaned tank internals
• Stripped and cleaned the carburettor
• Fitted new fuel lines
• Flushed and replaced the oil
• Stripped and cleaned the front brake, fitted new pads and fluid, and replaced the steel brake line
• Replaced the Ducati Elettronica ignition stator and rotor, as originals were damaged
• Replaced the ignition drive oil seal
• Replaced the left-hand crank support bearing in the engine cover

We are advised by vendor that the Ducati was run recently (see video online) and starts first or second kick. (The Amal carburettor was fitted by the importer Mick Walker when new.) The machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate, copy old V5, and a Haynes workshop manual. It should be noted that the HPI/V5C do not list the engine/frame number prefixes.
Offered with key