Description
This motorcycle is Lot 315 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 Saturday 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 315
The David Collier Collection
1974 Ducati 748cc 750 GT
Registration no. Unregistered (see text)
Frame no. DM750S 754877
Engine no. 755144 DM750
Lovely example of Ducati's first production V twin
Two owners from new
Carefully dry stored for 34 years
Recently recommissioned by enthusiast owner
The 750GT was Ducati's first production V twin and is therefore one of the most significant models in the company's illustrious history. This is believed to be a two owner motorcycle. It was first registered in the UK in September 1974 with the registration no. TWC 267N (since logged as 'permanently exported'). The first owner subsequently moved to the Isle of Man where, in March 1989, it was re-registered BMN 94L. The following year David Collier flew with his wife to the Isle of Man where he bought the GT from its first owner, a woman, in Sulby. The Manx number appears to have been removed from the IOM database, and the machine is therefore currently offered unregistered because David never registered it here in the UK.
Immediately following the purchase he rode it for an almost obligatory lap around the TT course, and then two up home to Hertfordshire. It had been bought as a potential source of spares for his Galco bevel drive round case Ducati race bike but fortunately that need never arose, and the bike remains as it was purchased 34 years ago. In fact it hasn't been ridden since that ride back from the Island, and has been dry stored in ideal conditions ever since. Within the last year it has been recommissioned. This has included overhauling the brakes and carbs, as well as fitting a new battery. However, it is strongly recommended that the new owner fits new tyres.
The current odometer reading is 67, 852 kilometres. The motorcycle is supplied with a copy of the IOM registration book which shows both the UK and Manx registration numbers, the IOM export certificate dated 10. 7. 1990, a letter and receipt from the previous owner, and a period photograph of the bike early in its life, displaying its original TWC 267N number plate. It is offered in nice age-related condition with a slight nick on the left front of the seat and a crack across the base of the plastic instrument binnacle. Lucas Rita electronic ignition is fitted, as are rubber fork gaiters. There is some damage to the finning of the lower sump which was sustained when it was being tied down by the crew on the IOM ferry during the GT's previous ownership.
We urge interested bidders to view the running video on our website. Such is his confidence in the machine that, subject to his health allowing it, David is happy to provide technical support and advice over the telephone to the new owner. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a sought-after round case V twin Ducati. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.
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.
