Descripción
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 8th July from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 9th July from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
c. 1960 Ducati Sprint Chassis
No Reserve
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: Not visible
MOT: Exempt
Part of the Pip Higham collection
Rolling chassis modified for sprinting
Will take most Ducati single engines
Pip Higham is a highly respected former motorcycle dealer, classic magazine columnist and record breaking drag racer who was inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 after his exploits throughout his career. The background for all this success was Pip’s own business, the ‘Village Bike Shop’ in Manchester, where he provided a service for those who wished to go that little bit quicker than the rest. The quest for more performance saw him develope mainly Suzuki based specials, racing in the Streetbike class across Europe and ultimately America, becoming the first European into the ten second bracket and then the first rider ever into the nines. ‘The Deuce’, a VBS development producing 160 bhp using Pip’s own tuning parts, ran in the nine second bracket many times at terminal speeds up to 154 mph for the quarter mile. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast Pip has also restored many bikes, especially Ducati singles, to a very high standard, sometimes incorporating subtle little modifications to improve performance.
This interesting lot, being offered at no reserve, has been modified by Pip, using his many years of experience, for sprinting. Used by him to set records, it will take most Ducati single engines and could be easily adapted for others. In Pips own words....'The Little Red Bike started off as an attempt to build a 100cc Ducati with minimal wind resistance, equipped with a 100cc Monoalbero (Single overhead cam) Ducati motor. I ran it at Elvington with a stock 160cc Ducati motor (All the Ducati motors from 100cc up to 250 share the same engine mounting positions so the chassis could be used for lots of different record attempts) It went over 90mph and picked up a few records, it has to be said I over revved it terribly and broke one motor in the process, ah well. The frame and swing arm have been lengthened to allow a better riding position and it has a funky 180 degree front mudguard, courtesy of Ken Halliwell, knower of all things Ducati. Otherwise it has skinny 17 inch wheels equipped with Takasago alloy rims and new Continental Contigo tyres and a slippery fairing. There is no engine in it at present, the intended one ended up in my next 100cc bike, ‘The Mule’ also being offered in this sale. I know it’s a bit daft but it is great fun getting tucked in with a tiny engine buzzing away, at 90mph plus and I think with the right motor it would go a great deal quicker!'
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
