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Ducati Elite

Ducati Elite

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Ducati EliteDucati EliteDucati EliteDucati EliteDucati Elite
Lot number 213
Hammer value £3,500
Description Ducati Elite
Registration NTF 84C
Year 1965
Colour Red/Silver
Engine size 350 cc
Chassis No. 154965
Documents Original buff logbook and old style V5

The 204cc Ducati Elite was a natural enlargement of the previous smaller-engined OHV models designed by Fabio Taglioni.

Following the success of the smaller 100cc and 175cc machines, the new Elite and SS models were launched in 1959 in response to demands from the USA market for a larger more powerful machine. This gave both models a top speed in the region of 85mph, most impressive for its day.

Demand for yet more power saw the engine increased in stages through the 1960s to 250cc, 350cc and eventually, in the 1970s, to 450cc, all shoe-horned into this small lightweight chassis. Light and nimble with a burst of power as they came on cam and with road holding to match, many budding racers cut their teeth on these little Italian jewels.

One of two Ducati singles in our sale today, this Elite dates from June 1965 and has, according to the vendor, been upgraded with a 350cc engine, much as Ducati themselves were to do later on, although the V5 and older buff log book still record 204cc.

Forming part of a private collection for many years, this machine will require the customary checks and recommissioning before being put back into use. Painted in the red and silver livery of the Mach1 250cc Ducati, this little gem is sure to be a talking point wherever it goes.

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