It is not easy to find one for sale. Ducati 750 Imola Racer from 1972much less that in just over two years two of the eight examples manufactured by the brand at the time to participate in the inaugural edition of Imola 200 have been auctioned. To all this we must add the fact, in the case of the example that concerns us today, that we are probably looking at the best preserved unit of all that remain.
Ducati 750 Imola Racer: the story
In the year in which Ducati celebrates the brand’s 100th Anniversary, Mecum Auctions, the auction house based in Walworth, Wisconsin, is preparing to deliver to the highest bidder one of the eight Ducati 750 Imola Racers that the Italian brand developed to compete (and win) in the first edition of the famous Imola 200 miles. A sporting feat that was difficult to overcome taking into account what the industrial and sporting positioning of the brand was at that time.
In any case, two determining and decisive factors came together so that Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari will finish 1st and 2nd respectively in the demanding test. The first of them is the immeasurable talent of both drivers, who managed to gain more than 20 seconds of advantage over the third place finisher. The second, a motorcycle prepared in a conscientious and meticulous manner, also equipped with multiple technical advances aimed at reinforcing the reliability of the legendary 748 cc, 4-stroke OHC V-twin, which shared architecture with the new 750 GT street bike, and exponentially increasing its performance.
Among them, for example, the kit of camshafts driven by bevel gears or the actuation of its desmodromic valves stood out. The Ducati 750 Imola Racer also had double spark plugs per cylinder, 40 mm Dell ‘Orto PHM carburetors, 5-speed gearbox, magnesium engine covers or an asymmetrical exhaust system (the left side anchored higher). The latter had a clear and studied function, as reported by Pipe Burn:
“The distinctive asymmetrical exhaust system was not designed to generate conversation at motorcycle gatherings; it was developed because Imola’s counterclockwise layout demanded maximum ground clearance in its relentless left-hand bends.”. Ducati worked on another non-negotiable aspect when we talk about a racing frame: the weight. To reduce it to its maximum expression in this 750 Imola Racer, he chose to eliminate everything that was not truly necessary.
For example the alternator and the flywheel, but I also include parts made of light materials such as a fiberglass fuel tank. “Even the shiny metallic finish had a function, as the color was molded into the gelcoat layer rather than added later with a heavier paint.” our colleagues conclude.
Ducati 750 Imola Racer from 1972: the unit in question
As detailed in the announcement that Mecum Auctions has published on its official website, with this 750 Imola Racer, we could be facing the “Holy Grail” of Borgo Panigale frames. Mainly, because, according to the renowned Ducati expert and historian, Ian Falloonwho has inspected and authenticated this unit, it is possibly “the most original example in existence.”
With one exception: Paul Smart’s winning motorcycle, which is currently in the Ducati Museum in Bologna, Italy. According to Falloon’s own records, it was one of two units used by Paul Smart on the day of the Imola 200 mile race. In addition, it is one of three 750 Imola Racers that remain with the original engine covers, despite having been restored in Germany throughout the 1990s.
Other relevant aspects of this rolling treasure would be:
- It retains its original body parts, fairing, fuel tank, seat and rear section.
- It has never been crashed, altered or modified.
- Documented history
- Historical photographs of the time and technical details.
- Restoration documented with photos, parts lists and notes by a professional Ducati restorer in Germany.
- It has been on display at the Ducati Museum in Bologna for 3 years and was also displayed at the Rennsport Museum at the Nürburgring in the 1990s.
- Two original Falloon authentication reports will be included.
No one can doubt that we are facing a true object of desire and collection that will probably end up being awarded to the highest bidder for a final amount of six figures; more specifically one that greatly exceeds half a million euros, taking into account the price of the other example auctioned in 2024. That said, are you interested in getting a piece of Ducati history?… By clicking here you can at least try, good luck!
