One of the most important and revolutionary motorcycles in history is the 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Desmo and now one of the eight examples built will be auctioned by Gooding & Company between May 8 and 17, 2024.
Register to bid for the auction here and explore the catalogue here.
Ducati, originally an Italian electric engineering company, was founded in 1926 and later designed its first motorcycle in 1950. The Ducati 750 Imola Desmo motorcycle was Ducati’s first foray into racing models. It was one of only eight built in 1972 for that year’s inaugural Imola 200 race in Italy, which was considered the "Daytona of Europe." After Ducati riders won first and second place there, Ducati’s role as the leader of motorcycle development was cemented.
These eight bikes were especially important as they introduced innovative new technology, such as desmodromic valve actuation, allowing for a high rpm performance. This system had formerly only been used in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. This was the first time a desmodromic valve actuation had been implemented on a V-Twin engine and this technology is still one that Ducati employs today.
“As one of the most original of eight Imola racers built, this Ducati is one of the very best of this rare breed,” said Angus Dykman, Specialist for Gooding & Company. “The 1972 Imola 200 was not only a defining moment in motorcycle history, but for Ducati as a company. The technical achievements developed for the eight specially-produced Imola racers propelled Ducati to the forefront of international competition for years to come, and desmodromic valves are still used in the company's highest performance models to this day. This incredible example has spent nearly thirty years in the consignor’s loving care and is accompanied by remarkable archival photos, fascinating documentation and a report by marque expert Ian Falloon.”
The Ducati that Gooding & Company has on offer this month was then sent to South Africa for a Formula 750 race in 1973. It was later purchased in 1995 by John Stein, a Ducati enthusiast and racer, who mechanically restored the motorcycle, preparing it for vintage racing. The car also won First in Class at the prestigious Pukekohe Classic Festival in New Zealand in 2000. The motorcycle is estimated to fetch $650,000-$750,000.
This rare Ducati is one of only seven known 750 Imola Desmos to survive today and presents an extremely rare auction opportunity. Ducati enthusiasts and motorcycle lovers, don’t miss the chance to learn more and bid on this star of motorcycle racing history.
Register to bid on the auction here and explore the catalogue here.
