Being able to get one of the 401 copies of Ducati 750SS manufactured in that first series in 1974 is, today, half a century after that, a quite complicated task. Also finding it in a completely original state, at least a pipe dream.
However, sometimes there is one of the so-called “Barn Find” (barn find), one of those that we have all dreamed of at some point, and several truly iconic motorcycles appear, usually belonging to some two-wheeled lover who has unfortunately passed away.
This is the case of the 750SS that today is the protagonist of these lines and that will be auctioned by Mecum on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in Las Vegas, within the event “Las Vegas Motorcycles 2025”.
A unit with barely 5,000 km traveled that belonged to “Slow Joe” Gardellaa famous motorcycle builder and collector originally from Michigan, as well as a restorer and participant in countless tests related to the world of two wheels.
Ducati 750SS from 1974 in detail
The iconic 1974 750SS, known in popular slang as “Green Frame” (green frame, referring to the color of its chassis), was launched on the market to commemorate the brand’s victory in the 1972 Imola 200 Mile, with drivers Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari at the controls, taking a double in the well-known Italian test. To highlight its iconic Count livery, the silver color of its body mixed with the bluish green of its chassis.
In the mechanics we found the Desmo engine capable of offering 73 HP of maximum power to pull the 202kg declared fully loaded, approving a maximum speed 217 km/h. The mechanics incorporated new 40 mm carburetors and the compression was increased to 9.5:1. A new Conti exhaust system towards the rest.
Likewise, in the cycle part a braking system was mounted with two 275 mm Brembo discs in the front, while in the rear another disc was also used instead of the drum used in the previous 1972 version. This was anchored to a set of 18-inch Borrani “5-slash” 4777 wheels.
Finally, the Ducati 750SS maintained the Marzocchi suspension system of the 750 Sport and 750 GT, with a 38 mm fork at the front and the pair of lateral shock absorbers on the rear axle, both with 305 mm of travel and adjustable in 3 positions.
This particular unit has just 5,114 kilometers and is associated with VIN 0755.88.130with engine number 075037. Along with it, 14 other motorcycles belonging to Gardella will be auctioned, including several Harley-Davidsons from the beginning of the 20th century, a Honda CB50R Racer, Ducati ST4 S or a 900SS from 1977.
All the information and details of this bid by clicking on this link.
