Was part of an Italian collection of 120 Ducati motorcycles
Lots of history and early Italian documentation
Imported into the UK in 2014, one UK owner
Unrestored and in mostly original condition
The Appeal
Ducati have been building motorcycles since 1950, but there are a few models that have become classics in their own right and this is one of them; the Ducati 450 Desmo Scrambler. With the racing success of Ducati's desmodromic valve gear back in the late 60's, coupled with the popularity of the off road Ducati Scrambler, it was logical that the two would eventually be combined to create a completely new bike. Built from 1969 to 1974 the 450 Desmo Scrambler became a must-have purchase for Ducati enthusiasts at the time, in large part because of the bike's impressive performance credentials, highlighted by a 16.6-second time through the quarter-mile.
Previously owned by renowned Dealer, racer and factory test rider Carlo Saltarelli it was purchased by the Seller at auction in Monaco in 2012 when Saltarelli’s large collection was sold. Kept at his house in the South of France for a couple of years it was ridden occasionally around France and Spain. In 2014 he imported the Ducati into the UK and again it was used only occasionally for local rides. Thought to have covered just 13,779 km (8,561 miles) from new, it remains in delightfully original and unrestored condition with a fully documented history.
History and Paperwork
Built by Ducati in 1971
Owned by Carlo Saltarelli as part of his 120 Ducati collection
Purchased by the Seller at auction in Monaco in 2012
Kept at his property in France for two years
Imported into the UK in 2014
Original 1973 Italian sales receipt
HMRC NOVA notification letter
2014 MoT certificate at 13,536 miles on arrival into the UK
DVLA Registration authorisation letter from April 2014
Authentication letter from the Ducati Sporting Club
Original Italian registration and various other Italian documents
Original Italian number plate
Auction catalogue from Monaco 2012
Purchase Bill of Sale from auction company
V5c in Sellers name, no previous UK owners
The Condition
Excellent yellow paintwork with black stripes with minor marks
Black painted frame in clean undamaged condition
Generous and comfortable seat complete with Ducati lettering
Yellow mudguards with black stripes front and rear
Centre stand plus side stand
Smiths gauges, KPH speedometer and Rev counter
High, off-road style handlebars
Small rear luggage rack
All glass and lenses in great condition
Borrani wire wheels
Lightly worn older set of Dunlop Gold Seal tyres
Correct Moto Ducati single exhaust
Correct badging and all trim in good condition
The Mechanics
Ducati 436cc SOHC Desmo single cylinder engine
5 speed gearbox
Correct Delorto VHB carburettor
Clean and corrosion free frame with only age related marks
Numbers on frame and gearbox match with original Italian documents from 1973
Seller reports that the Ducati starts well (with kick start) and rides nicely
Summary
Although nearly 11,000 Scramblers were manufactured a large proportion went to the USA and most were ridden off road in hard conditions. It is refreshing to find one that appears to have only been used on tarmac as there are few marks on the frame or underside. Ridden only occasionally since purchase in 2012 the Ducati remains mostly original, and has not been restored. It is thought that the 13,779 km covered is correct, and matches with the overall condition. With plenty of Italian paperwork to corroborate it is “matching numbers” , it would be an exciting addition to any Ducati collection.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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