Description
This motorcycle is Lot 251 - 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 251
The Andy Chapman Collection - Part II
c. 1967 Ducati 50 SL/ 1
Registration no. AHJ 791E
Frame no. DM48SL4* 52817* IGM3985-OM
Engine no. DM48V4 323959
Most of Ducati's two-stroke mopeds and flyweights were only offered on the domestic market, commencing in 1958 with the short-lived 48cc Sport. Fan cooling was a feature of many of these models, but not the 50 SL/ 1, as seen here, which featured a conventional air-cooled engine with integral four-speed foot-change gearbox. A sporting development of the 50 SL of 1966, the 50 SL/ 1 was exquisitely styled as only the Italians know how; indeed, few would disagree with marque authority Ian Falloon's opinion that it is one of the most purposeful-looking Ducatis of the era. For the SL/ 1 the engine's top-end was extensively revised, boosting the maximum output from 4. 2 to 6 horsepower. This beautiful little flyweight tipped the scales at only 58kg (127. 8lb) and had a top speed of 80km/ h (49. 7mph).
This rare Ducati two-stroke was acquired by the current owner in 2019 and has been kept on display in the showroom window of Motorcycle Service Centre on Harrow Road, London NW10. First registered in the UK on 9th May 1975, the machine appears to be an older restoration and still presents well (the engine turns over). 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. Offered with a V5C document (omitting the frame/ engine number prefixes).
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.
