Offered from the estate of the late Alain de Cadenet, 1972 Ducati 750 Sport

Designed by the legendary Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first road-going v-twin - the 750 GT - arrived in 1971. Lacking the resources of larger rivals from Japan, Ducati made the most of what it already possessed to create one of the all-time great motorcycles of the post-war era. A 90-degree vee, the engine looked like two of the Bologna firm's bevel-drive overhead-cam singles on a common crankcase (which in essence it was) though the coil valve springs represented a departure from Ducati's traditional hairpins. The 90-degree layout made for exceptional smoothness and a lengthy wheelbase, a handicap more apparent than real that failed to stop the fine-handling Ducati vees notching up a succession of wins in Formula 750 events, commencing with Paul Smart's famous victory at Imola in 1972.

Based on the original 750 GT tourer, the 750 Sport was an altogether more exciting looking beast and backed up its stunning looks with improved performance courtesy of a maximum power hike from 50 to 56bhp. Built only until 1974, the Sport underwent minor changes to its front fork and disc brake but otherwise changed little, and was only ever sold in the classic yellow/black livery shared with the Desmo singles. First of a noble line of sporting Ducati v-twins, the 750 Sport is a true landmark machine; much rarer than, for example, the later Mike Hailwood Replica, it is one of the most sought-after of all Ducatis. Only 1,625 were made - the majority between 1973 and 1974 - with a handful built for Australia in 1978.

This Ducati 750 Sport was stored in a sealed container that was involved in a fire. While it appears that the flames did not directly touch the machine, it would have been exposed to considerable heat, albeit the engine turned over with compression when removed from the container. Bonhams makes no guarantees regarding the structural integrity, safety, or internal condition of this motorcycle, which is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should also note that the motorcycle retains a strong odour consistent with smoke exposure, which may cause a reaction for some individuals.

There is no accompanying paperwork or registration document (it would appear that any documentation stored with the machine did not survive). Unfortunately, the numberplate melted in the heat. The frame number does not turn up any results on the HPI database and so it has not been possible to establish whether it is on the HPI or DVLA databases. Marque authority Ian Falloon has advised that the machine appears quite original and has the correct numbers for a 1972 model. The vendor has suggested that this example was originally finished in the rare 'Z Stripe' livery, though this cannot be confirmed. The only significant surviving trace of finish is an area of orange paint atop the tank.
Offered with key