Ultra-rare Ducati collection up for auction

A COLLECTION of rare and historic Ducatis including the model Mike Hailwood won the 1978 TT on is set to be auctioned.

An as-new 1978 900NCR, the same model that propelled Hailwood to victory in his famous TT comeback after an 11-year hiatus, will go under the hammer in the Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction in January.

It's one of 25 Ducati road and race bikes from the Silverman Museum Racing collection to be sold in the auction

A release from Bonhams said: ‘For instance, featured is a 1973 750SS Imola Short Stroke. Based on the motorcycle that roared to victory in the 1972 Imola GP capturing both first and second places with factory riders Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari, this is the model that launched the Ducati legend.

‘Then there is a rare 1974 750SS Green Frame Round Case – never sold new in the US – with its boisterous symphony, powerful motor and low production numbers that represents one of the finest and most desirable of all Ducatis.

‘Perhaps most noteworthy, however, is the original condition 1984 750SS TT1 campaigned by Pablo Real. In addition to being the progenitor of the extremely successful four-valve Ducati racers that paved the way for world Superbike domination, TT1 models are nearly as rare as hen’s teeth and never come up for sale, let alone one with documented race history.’

A second TT1 is also to be auctioned in the sale, at Bally’s Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip on January 9.

Here’s the full list of Ducatis available:

Desmosidici - plain fairing

Desmosidici- Bayliss fairing

1986 750 F1 Montjuich without plaque - Indicators, no mirrors

1986 750 F1 Montjuich with plaque

1987 750 Laguna Seca, Lucchinelli

1981 TT2, Del Piano

1981 TT2, Carlo P.

1978 NCR

1973 750SS Green Frame

1973 Short Stroke