Beskrivning
This motorcycle is Lot 12 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 12
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 12
1964 Ducati 204cc Elite
Registration no. BTL 227B
Frame no. 50528 (see text)
Engine no. MD81404
Designed by Fabio Taglioni, the first Ducati overhead-camshaft single - the 100 Gran Sport - appeared on the racetrack in 1954 and soon proved unbeatable in its class. Taglioni's versatile design proved capable of considerable enlargement, being produced in various capacities from the original 98cc up to 450cc. A pair of 175cc roadsters was introduced for the 1956 season, the sports version of which (known as the 'Silverstone' in the UK) was capable of more than 80mph, an astonishing achievement at the time and one that helped establish the giant killing reputation long enjoyed by Ducati's miniature masterpieces. In 1959 the engine capacity was increased to 204cc for the Elite and 200SS models, but from 1961 onwards the Elite's engine was based on that of the 250cc model. Top speed of either was in the region of 85mph. Lightweight, nimble, sure-footed and possessing a gem of an engine that sounds glorious when it comes 'on the cam', these little Dukes are a purist's delight to ride.
This Elite was first UK registered in September 2019 and was purchased in March 2021 from a private vendor. Restored by a previous owner, it is offered from a small private collection and has been dry stored and ridden sparingly. Relatively minor recommissioning and the customary safety checks should be required before returning it to the road. It should be noted the 'MD' frame prefix recorded to the V5C is not present to the machine. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and the 2021 purchase receipt.
£3, 000 - 5, 000
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.
