Description
This motorcycle is Lot 247 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 247
The Andy Chapman Collection - Part II
1974 Ducati 750 GT
Registration no. PPV 75M
Frame no. DM750S* 756088*
Engine no. 756151 DM750
Present ownership since 2019
7, 212 miles recorded
Requires recommissioning
Designed by the legendary Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first road-going v-twin - the 750 GT - arrived in 1971. Lacking the resources of larger Far Eastern rivals, Ducati had made the most of what it already possessed to create one of the all-time great post-war motorcycles. A 90-degree vee, the engine looked like two of the Bologna firm's bevel-drive overhead-cam singles on a common crankcase (which in essence it was) though the coil valve springs represented a departure from Ducati's traditional hairpins. The 90-degree layout made for exceptional smoothness and a lengthy wheelbase, a handicap more apparent than real that failed to stop the fine-handling Ducati's notching up a succession of wins in Formula 750 events, commencing with Paul Smart's famous victory at Imola in April 1972. Without question, it was Smart's Imola win that really put Ducati's new v-twin on the map. It was a particularly sweet occasion for hitherto un-fancied Ducati, as the Bologna factory defeated not only the race-proven Triumph Tridents of Percy Tait, John Cooper and Ray Pickrell, but also the works 750 MV Agusta of Giacomo Agostini.
Previously registered/ used overseas, this example was first registered in the UK on 10th February 2011 and has belonged to the current vendor since 2019. The machine displays a total of 7, 212 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography) but nothing else is known of its history. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle 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. The Ducati is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate, the 2019 purchase invoice from Motorcycle Service Centre, and expired MoTs (most recent expired January 2019). It should be noted that the V5C omits the 'DM750' prefix/ suffix and the HPI records the previous colour as red/ black.
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.
