Every time an “Old School” appears for sale, at the level of the Ducati 996 SPSand which has never been piloted, the same question comes to mind: what world do we live in? Basically, because it should be a crime to hoard a gem of this caliber in your garage, and not enjoy it even once throughout its more than two decades of history.
Well, the pattern repeats itself. That is to say, one of Tamburini's masterpieces, if not the most, put up for sale in NOS (New Old Stock) condition in search of the highest bidder. And we say that it is repeated because just a few days ago we knew the history of this 2002 Ducati 998 ex Hailwood “km 0”, almost brand new.
Ducati 996 SPS #1653 in detail
For those who do not know this version in detail, we can tell you that only 1,780 units were manufactured in three versions between 1999 and 2001, in three different series. This copy is matched to the VIN ZDM3H99S861B003736 and the identification number 1,653, belonging to the last batch of this Sport Production Special.
The most striking thing about this model is that it was registrable, but it was intended for track use only, and Ducati forced you to sign a contract at the time of sale, saying that you would not use it on public roads. Some, of course, ended up where they supposedly couldn't.
As the most notable features of this special and limited edition, we can highlight the red finish with white details on the carbon monoposto rear seat, Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspensions, carbon fiber side covers, an Öhlins steering damper or wheels Lighter 5-spoke Marchesini.
In the mechanical section, the 996 SPS offered a maximum power of 124 hp at 9,500 rpmwhile the pair rose to 99 Nm at 8,000 revolutions. Thanks, among other things, to incorporating some improvements such as titanium connecting rods, improved camshaft, lightened crankshaft or a Termignoni exhaust system.
The copy presented to us today in question is being auctioned by the specialized page Bring a Trailer and apparently “was sold new by Pro Italia of Glendale, California, and was reacquired by Pro Italia in 2023 from the family of its original owner.”
The description itself alludes to the fact that: “The seller is now offering this 996 SPS in New York with only a tool kit, paddock stand and bill of sale. Instrumentation consists of a 180 mph speedometer, a coolant temperature gauge, and a 13,000 rpm tachometer. The five-digit odometer shows 1 mile.”
Finally, it is detailed that: “The top triple clamp carries a serialized plate that lists the bike as 996 SPS #1,653. A tool kit accompanies the motorcycle. The motorcycle has no title or registration and is sold only with a bill of sale.”
If there is anyone interested in the room, tell them that so far the highest bid offered amounts to $27,000, with just over two days left to conclude the auction. You still have time to get a little piece of history of the Italian brand. Of course, we already told you that it will not be easy, nor economical.
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