c.1960 Ducati 175cc Formula 3 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. 415 RTF
Frame no. 504
Engine no. F504
'As early as 1959... Ducati phased out its Gran Sport models in favour of the new Formula 3 series... the 175 (1959-61), the 125 (1959-61) and the 250 (1961-62). All three were pure-bred, hand-built racing motorcycles, built for Italian Formula 3 competition.' – Mick Walker, Ducati- The Racing Story. Although visibly similar to their road-going equivalents, the Formula 3 models were very different motorcycles featuring sand-cast crankcases and special engine internals, while the camshaft bevels and primary drive featured straight-cut gears. The gearbox was a four-speeder. Lower and lighter than the roadster versions, the frames featured a lowered steering head, shorter forks, and a shorter swinging arm. Brakes were upgraded to racing specification. Ducati quoted a maximum power output of 16bhp for the 175. Hand built in small numbers, the Formula 3 Ducatis were necessarily expensive; indeed, in the UK the 175 cost more than a 500cc Manx Norton! Understandably, production of these exotic Formula 3 models was limited, perhaps amounting to fewer than 100, making any genuine example extremely rare today.

It should be noted that the registration '415 RTF' is not recorded in the HPI or DVLA databases; therefore this Ducati is offered unregistered and without documents. No history is known other than the fact that the deceased owner searched auto-jumbles to acquire parts to reassemble the machine. Recommissioning will be needed before it returns to the road (the engine turns over).
Footnotes:
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.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 20 April starting at 2pm GMT.