Description
This is Lot 249 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale on the 26 & 27 April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available 26 April from 09:00 until 17:00 and 27 April from 09:00 until 17:00, at The International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford.
Lot 249
The Andy Chapman Collection - Part II
c. 1986 Ducati 750 F1
Registration no. unregistered
Chassis no.
Considered by many enthusiasts to be among the last of the 'real' (pre-Cagiva takeover) Ducati's, the race-styled 750 F1 first appeared in 1985. First seen in prototype form in endurance races in 1983, the F1's 748cc engine was the latest in a long line of stretches applied to the original 500cc 'belt drive' Desmo unit that had first appeared in the Pantah in 1979. A markedly over-square design of 88x61. 5mm bore/ stroke, the F1 engine produced around 60bhp and functioned as a stressed element within the frame, the swinging arm pivoting in the rear of the gearbox. Clearly visible above the deliberately cutaway fairing sides, the aforementioned frame attracted almost as much attention as the engine: a trellis of short, straight tubes, it has formed the basis of almost every road-going Ducati since, as well as the first Desmosedici Moto GP racers. In the fashion of the day, the F1 came with a 16" front wheel, while braking power was provided by state-of-the-art triple Brembos. Today the evocatively named F1 and its derivatives are highly prized by Ducati collectors.
Unfortunately, nothing is known about the history of this example, which currently displays a total of 16, 167 kilometres on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography). 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. There is no registration document with this Lot.
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 website for all pertinent auction information.
