1971 Ducati 450 Desmo 'Silver Shotgun'Registration no. HGU 817JFrame no. DM450M3*700910Engine no. DM450 457611• Delivered new to South Africa•Single family ownership from new•UK registered since 2015Superseding the Mark 3, Ducati introduced a new range of Desmo singles in 1971. One of Ducati's most memorable series of sports roadsters, these new 250/350/450 Desmos soon acquired the sobriquet 'Silver Shotgun', a reference to their eye-catching silver metallic paintwork. Standard equipment included Marzocchi front forks, Borrani alloy wheel rims, a Grimeca four-leading-shoe front brake, rear-set footrests, clip-on handlebars, and a white-faced Veglia rev counter. The fuel tank, seat base, side panels, and front mudguard were made of lightweight glassfibre. For 1973, the Desmo range was mildly restyled by Italjet's Leopoldo Tartarini (also responsible for the 750 Sport), the colour scheme changing from silver/black to yellow/black at the same time. Production effectively ended in 1974, though a tiny handful was produced in 1978. The example offered here is one of the early silver models, which many enthusiasts prefer. Produced at a time when both the British and United States distributors were in dispute with the Ducati factory, they are an extremely rare sight in those countries. This Ducati 450 Desmo 'Silver Shotgun' was bought new by the vendor's late father circa 1973 having been standing unsold for a couple of years alongside a 250 Desmo (which he purchased also). He wasted no time in painting it red and fitting a megaphone, as can be seen from the photograph taken in 1974 alongside the 250, which got the same treatment later. The father was a founding member of the South African Motorcycle Club and owned many bikes (see obituary article on file). The Desmo was entered in Classic races in the late 1990s with a different tank and seat fitted (the engine may have been tuned with other cams installed).After the vendor received the Ducati he gave it a light restoration and repaint, and registered it in the UK in 2015, passing the MoT with no problems. The machine has only been used once since then. It was started recently and is said to be running very well. Nevertheless, an oil change and recommissioning is advised before further use. This 450 comes with a new silencer and downpipe, the original silver tank, plus reproduction panels, seat, and mudguard to restore it to the original colour. Alternative cams and a few other spares are included in the sale. Accompanying documents consist of a dating certificate, MoT (2015-2016) and a V5C.Footnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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The ex-works, Mike Hailwood 1960 Ducati 125cc Desmodromic 'Barcone' Grand Prix Racing MotorcycleFrame no. D1Engine no. D1• Acquired by Stan Hailwood directly from the Ducati factory• In-period racing history• Known ownership history• Part of the Forshaw Family Collection for 41 yearsDucati's first Grand Prix single was the 125cc Bialbero (Double Overhead Camshaft). This offered improved performance over the single-overhead-camshaft Marianna, but reliability was questionable at high revs. Valve-to-piston clearance was critical with the higher compression ratios now required, compounded by the problem of valve float and the wide included valve angle of 80 degrees. During his days at university, Taglioni had shown interest in desmodromic, or positive valve actuation, and had proposed such a system while at Mondial in 1953. Mondial's conservative Count Boselli would not permit Taglioni to pursue this path, but it was different at Ducati. Almost as soon as he joined the company he began to work on a desmodromic cylinder head for the Gran Sport, and during 1955 produced the first desmodromic prototype. Taglioni's faith in the concept was also reassured by the success of the desmodromic Mercedes W196 Grand Prix and 300 SLR sports cars during 1954 and 1955. Unlike the Mercedes desmodromic system that used a single overhead camshaft with scissor rockers operating the valves, Taglioni went for a triple overhead camshaft (Trialbero) layout with two outside opening camshafts (like the Bialbero), and a central camshaft closing the valves through forked rockers. This was provided with vernier adjustment for precise cam timing. Light closing rocker return springs were initially fitted but later discarded when it was found they were unnecessary, with the risk of broken springs also causing damage. The actual cylinder head design was similar to the Bialbero, with a 31mm inlet and 27mm exhaust valve set, still set at the wide 80 degree included angle, but the Desmo had considerably higher valve lift with 8.1mm inlet and 7.4mm exhaust. Drive to the three camshafts was the usual straight-cut bevel gear and 15mm vertical shaft, but the shaft was waisted to vary the engine's torque characteristics. A shaft diameter of 11mm (the safe minimum) provided peak torque at 8,000 rpm while a shaft diameter of 14.8mm (maximum) gave a higher torque peak. With the narrower shaft retarding the valve timing in relation to piston position this was an early form of variable valve timing. The crown wheel on the central camshaft was pressed into the large diameter central spur gear, but as this sometimes broke, welding later supplemented the press fit.
1969 Ducati 450 MkIII DesmoRegistration no. EPV 129HFrame no. DM450S*460038*Engine no. DM450 450292•Ultra-rare 450 with twin filler tank•Believed mainly original and unrestored•Featured in 'Ducati Scrambler, Desmo & Mark 3' book In the late 1940s Ducati began to produce the Cucciolo engine designed by Aldo Farinelli, and manufactured for SIATA. The Cucciolo was a clip-on engine used on bicycles, and catered to the desperate desire for transport in the post-war aftermath. Eventually Ducati capitalised on their production of the little motor, and manufactured a complete motorcycle powered by a Cucciolo engine. This first machine appeared in 1950, and thereafter they followed a similar path to other Italian motorcycle manufacturers, producing small capacity, economical and inexpensive machines for a transport-hungry public.In 1954 they hired designer Fabio Taglioni, and it is no coincidence that from that point Ducati creations were more sporting-oriented. Unsurprisingly, Ducati's involvement with racing began soon after Taglioni's arrival, and started with a 98cc overhead camshaft engine. Later, for racing, came the double overhead cam engine with desmodromic valve operation, which was to become a feature of many future Ducatis. Triumphant in its first Grand Prix outing, the 'desmo' was here to stay. The road singles of the 1950s and 60s continued in 100, 125, 175 and 200 capacities, whilst smaller machines were given over to two stroke engines. Capacities of the four stroke singles grew to 250, 350 and eventually 450 throughout the sixties, with road, sports and street scrambler versions and desmodromic valve operation eventually appearing on the road bikes from 1968 onward.The vendor acquired EPV 129H in 2013 from Made in Italy Motorcycles, who had imported it from Italy. The machine had featured in Massimo Clarke's book 'Ducati Scrambler, Desmo and Mark 3' (copy of the book included) as an original example of the model (examination of the photographs reveals the same small 'nick' in the offside of the seat cover – although the seat has now been recovered, the original cover comes with the bike). This particular model, with the twin-filler petrol tank, and vintage styling, is so rare that many marque histories fail to mention it. The owner was impressed by the bike's originality, believing much of the paintwork to be original, together with the retained seat cover mentioned above. He has not used it on the road, but it has been started at regular intervals until recently, and kept in dry storage. Only modest re-commissioning and basic safety checks should be required prior to use on the road with a new owner.Documentation comprises the current V5C, an expired MoT certificate, a valuation certificate, and a photocopy maintenance manual, together with the aforementioned Massimo Clarke book. A key is present.Footnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Two owners, circa 800 miles from new 2001 Ducati MH900eRegistration no. CN51 ONPFrame no. ZDMV300AA1B000339Engine no. concealed by bodywork•Boxed limited edition plaque number 93/2000•Present ownership since 2006•Original accessories included'Ducati has turned the design credo of 'form follows function' on its head. It's as if you're expected to look at the evoluzione rather than ride it.' – Bike magazine.Inspired by Mike Hailwood's fairytale comeback victory aboard a Sports Motorcycles-entered Ducati in the 1978 Isle of Man Formula 1 TT, the MH900e (Mike Hailwood 900 evoluzione) was first seen in 'concept bike' form at the 1998 Munich Show. The work of Ducati's design boss, Pierre Térreblanche, it was a personal project never intended for production, but such was the response that Ducati went ahead anyway and announced a limited run of only 2,000 machines, to be sold over the Internet. Combining styling elements of the Multistrada and 900SS, the MH900e deployed the fuel-injected desmo v-twin engine from the M900 Monster in a trademark trellis frame equipped with matching single-sided swinging arm. In fact, identifiable similarities between Hailwood's TT-winning bike and the MH900e were notable by their almost total absence, being limited to a finned sump mimicking that of the old bevel-drive motors. Or as Bike put it: 'Retro meets funk in race-rep fashion statement.' Britain's premier motorcycle journal was right: rather than as an exercise in nostalgia, the MH900e worked far better when assessed as a design in its own right. Its intended market certainly thought highly of the concept, snapping up the entire production run within a matter of hours and thereby creating an instantly collectible classic. Given the MH900e's 'work of art' status, it is not surprising that most have been used sparingly and this example - number '93' of the series - has covered only some 800-or-so miles from new. The Ducati was first owned by a Mr Paul Leeke of South Wales, passing to our vendor in June 2006. Kept in dehumidified storage since acquisition, this beautiful MH900e is presented in wonderfully preserved condition and is a collectors' dream. A Staintune exhaust is fitted at present but the original exhaust box is included in the sale. The machine is offered with old/current V5W/V5C documents; paddock stand; original MH900 evoluzione bike covers (x2); original limited edition 0093/2000 T-shirt; and an owner's manual including warranty booklet (unstamped). Offered with keyFootnotes:All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1982 Ducati 900 SS, 864cc. Registration number WCX 2X. Frame number DM 860 SS * 090889*. Engine number D DM 860 092489.The Ducati 900SS is one of the most important road-going superbikes in the company’s history. It was a direct descendent of the 750SS which took a dominant 1-2 victory at the 1972 Imola 200 with Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari. The first year of mass production for the 750SS was 1974, and from 1975 onwards a new engine was used, dubbed the “square case” due to the more angular design of the crankcase. This new engine featured two sizes, a 900cc (864cc) and was fitted with twin 40mm Dell’Orto carburettors to the air-cooled 90º L-twin with a single overhead cam per bank, two desmodromic valves per cylinder, a 5-speed gearbox, traditional telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers in the rear. The 900SS was upgraded over the course of its production run, in 1978 internal engine improvements were made including stronger cranks that were much more resistant to breaking, the electrical system was improved, and the gear lever was redesigned making the bike a lot easier to live with. Only 335 would be built in the final year, 1982, these had dual seats and painted wheels. WCX, a one owner, unrestored, machine was bought by Peter Atkinson on the 20th June 1982 from Motor Cycle World Bradford for £2,700. In 1983 he upgraded the exhaust pipes. It has only been serviced by marque specialist Paul Klatkiewicz (Ducati Technical Services), receipts on file from 1996 for an engine rebuild, 2001, 2003, and 2005, after this it was laid up and rested. Continuous MOT's on file start in 1986 at 6,277 miles up until 2003 at 18,993 miles. Peter had now given up riding and it was stored at his home until his recent passing when an old friend took over its care on behalf of his widow and took it back to Paul Klatkiewicz for a total recommissioning, at a cost of £1,914.95 using Mdina Italia parts, the full engine service included Desmo valve shims, the bike greased and the braking system was fully overhauled. Now offered for sale, this rare, one owner machine comes with an original Ducati single seat, some old parts, history folder, original maintenance manual and V5C.video added
A group of four brass car mascots, to include a 1950s Desmo Bulldog, raised on an ebonised wooden plinth 7 x 12cm a converted gas lighter in the form of a seated dog wearing a floppy hat and a ruff, mounted to a chromed radiator cap9cm high an AC Cobra mascot, modelled as a coiled and hissing cobra, mounted on a turned wooden base with a brass plaque inscribed 'AC Cobra' 8cm highan example modelled as a seated cougar, mounted to a plain wooden plinth base 7cm high
A group of five brass and chrome car mascots, to include a Grand General chrome mascot modelled as a stylised swan, mounted on a wooden oval base 20cm higha chrome Rover Viking mascot, raised on a plain oak base inscribed 'Rover' to the reverse 9.5cm higha Desmo example modelled as an eagle perching on a ball, wings outstretched, mounted on a turned circular wooden base 8cm high an example in brass modelled as an eagle taking flight and perching on a ball, mounted on a circular socle base 14.5cm highanother in brass modelled as a wasp and stylised 'W', mounted on a pine display base6cm high
A group of three chromed car mascots, to include an example modelled as a racing greyhound leaping over a fence, on a circular wooden base 12cm high a Desmo horse and rider mascot, stamped marks to base, mounted on a marbled perspex plinth base 13cm higha circa 1950s example modelled as a leaping Pegasus, mounted to radiator cap and later wooden circular base 9.5cm high
c.1903 Humber 2¾hp Olympia Tandem ForecarFrame no. None Visible (see text)Engine no. 1897 (see text)For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website•Acquired in 1998•London-Brighton Run participant•Eligible for the Pioneer Run and Banbury Run•VCC Certificate of DateWith a background in bicycle manufacture, Humber began motor vehicle production as early as 1896, displaying motorcycles at 'The International Horseless Carriage Exhibition' that year. The production of Humber vehicles was carried on at both Beeston, Nottingham and at Coventry, there being some considerable rivalry between the two factories, the Beeston works being reserved generally for production of the more expensive models.The Humber Olympia motor tandem is an ideal vehicle for two riders. All control is in the hands of the rear rider while the passenger is in the front, out of reach of dust and the exhaust gases, and conversation is easy. The front seat is most comfortably hung on springs and is excellently upholstered, luxurious to even the most delicate. The steering is unaffected by the absence or the presence of a passenger, and is easier than that of an ordinary tricycle. Thus did Humber describe their 1903 offering. The air-cooled engine was built under Phelon & Moore licence, featuring an automatic inlet valve and a bore and stroke of 80x77mm, giving a capacity of 403cc.One of the earliest surviving Humbers, this tandem forecar was purchased at Brooks' Olympia auction in December 1998 (Lot 686). The vehicle was described as follows: 'Restored in 1989, this machine has regularly completed the Brighton Run and in 1995 was ridden from Paris to Bordeaux commemorating the Centenary of that early motor race and proving the reliability of this early machine.' The Humber had also successfully completed the 1998 London-Brighton Run. The machine is VCC dated as 1903 and is also eligible for the Sunbeam MCC's Pioneer Run from Epsom to Brighton, as well as the VMCC's Banbury Run. Notable features include Lucas lamps, a Desmo horn, and RAC London to Brighton plaques from 1993 and 1994. Accompanying paperwork includes photocopied technical literature, a selection of photographs, VCC Certificate of Date, some expired MoTs, and an old UK V5 registration document (registration 'DS 7442'). It should be noted that the dating certificate lists the frame number as '134871', as does the V5, while the somewhat indistinct engine number appears to be '1897' ('1297' on the aforementioned documents).• Acquise en 1998• Participant au Londres-Brighton• Éligible aussi aux Pioneer et au Banbury Runs• Certificat de datation du VCCUn des plus anciens modèles Humber survivants, cet avant-train en tandem a été acquis à la vente Brooks à l'Olympia en décembre 1998 (Lot 686). Le véhicule était décrit ainsi: « Restaurée en 1989, ce véhicule a régulièrement effectué le Brighton Run et il a accompli en 1995 le parcours de Paris à Bordeaux commémorant le centenaire de la première grande course automobile de l'histoire, démontrant la fiabilité de cette très ancienne machine ». Le Humber a également participé au London-Brighton Run 1998. La machine datée de 1903 par le VCC est aussi éligible au Sunbeam MCC's Pioneer Run d'Epsom à Brighton ainsi qu'au Banbury Run du VMCC. Parmi ses éléments caractéristiques notables, citons ses lampes Lucas, sa trompe Desmo et ses plaques du London to Brighton Run du RAC de 1993 et 1994. La documentation jointe comprend de la littérature technique en photocopies, une sélection de photos, le certificat de datation du VCC, des vignettes du MoT (périmées) et un ancien document d'immatriculation V5 (n° DS 7442) émis au Royaume-Uni. Le numéro du cadre n'a pu être retrouvé au mome... For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Including a chrome mascot in the form of a Horse and Jockey, mounted on a wooden plinth. Stamped 'Desmo, Made in England' (13cms high including plinth). Also with a chrome car mascot in the form of a Fox, mounted on a metal base (11cms high). (2). *CR: Horse and jockey is quite pitted to the surface Fox, some wear to the base. *BP 22.5% (18.75% plus VAT) plus a lot fee of £8 inc. VAT on each lot.

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