Description
This motorcycle is Lot 170 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 170
The Andy Chapman Collection
c. 1972 Ducati 350 Vento by Mototrans
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 71546
Engine no. DM350 71461
The Spanish MotoTrans company of Barcelona was formed in 1958 and from 1960 was licensed to manufacture Ducati motorcycles in Spain. Many of the MotoTrans Ducatis were virtually identical to their Italian equivalents, while others were of their own design but powered by Ducati engines. Arguably the most successful MotoTrans model was the Vento 350, the very last motorcycle to use the famous Ducati overhead-camshaft single-cylinder bevel-drive motor, production of which had ended in Italy in 1974. The 340cc single breathed through a Dell'Orto 32mm carburettor and produced 28bhp, which was good enough to propel the lightweight (134kg dry) Vento to a top speed of around 100mph. Vento production ended in 1983 when MotoTrans was taken over by Yamaha. The model is a rare sight today; in fact, the one offered here is the first Bonhams has ever seen.
The odometer reading is 6, 090 kilometres (at the time of cataloguing/ photography) but nothing is known of this Vento, which is offered without documents. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Key to tank.
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
