Ben Walker
Department Director
LOT 153
1971 Ducati 450 Desmo Silver Shotgun Frame no. DM450M3700573 Engine no. DM450 458183
Sold for US$24,150 inc. premium
Lot 153
1971 Ducati 450 Desmo Silver Shotgun
Frame no. DM450M3700573 Engine no. DM450 458183
1971 Ducati 450 Desmo Silver Shotgun
Frame no. DM450M3700573
Engine no. DM450 458183
Frame no. DM450M3700573
Engine no. DM450 458183
• Landmark Desmo roadster
• Extremely rare in the USA
• Restored by Henry Hogben
Designed by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first overhead-camshaft single appeared in 1955. Desmodromic valve operation - whereby closure as well as opening was effected by cams - was a feature of the racing versions and would later be applied to the sportier roadsters. The first major revision to the original design occurred in 1967 with the introduction of the 'wide case' motor, which had a much wider rear engine mount. From then onwards the superseded earlier version became known as 'narrow case'. Changes to the 'wide case' models were not merely confined to the rear engine mount, Taglioni and his team taking the opportunity afforded by the redesign to incorporate a stronger con-rod and big-end bearing, and increase the capacity of the lubrication system. There were also improvements to the gearbox while the suspension and brakes remained - for the time being - unchanged.
In 1968, Ducati launched the first of its legendary 'Desmo' roadsters in 250cc and 350cc (actually 340cc) capacities, these two top-of-the-range Mark 3 super sports variants being distinguishable from the valve-spring models by virtue of their extra chrome and restrained 'D' decals on the side panels. Later that same year the Ducati roadster single appeared in its largest '450' (actually 436cc) incarnation, offering considerably more torque courtesy of the substantial hike in capacity.
Superseding the Mark 3, a new range of Desmo singles was introduced in 1971. One Ducati's most memorable series of sports roadsters, these new 250/350/450 Desmos soon acquired the sobriquet 'Silver Shotgun', a reference to their eye-catching silver metallic paintwork. Standard equipment included Marzocchi 35mm front forks, Borrani 18" alloy wheel rims, a Grimeca 180mm four-leading-shoe front brake, rear-set footrests, clip-on handlebars, and a white-faced Veglia rev counter, while the fuel tank, seat base, side panels, and front mudguard were made of a lightweight glassfibre. For 1973, the Desmo range was mildly restyled by Italjet's Leopoldo Tartarini, also responsible for the 750 Sport, the colour scheme switching from silver/black to yellow/black at the same time. Production effectively ended in 1974, though a tiny handful was produced in 1978.
The example offered here is one of the early silver models, made in 1971-72, which many enthusiasts prefer. Produced at a time when both the British and United States distributors were in dispute with the Ducati factory, they are an extremely rare sight in those countries. Restored by the esteemed Canadian marque expert, the late Henry Hogben, this beautiful machine represents a wonderful opportunity to own a rare milestone Desmo dating from the final glorious years of Ducati singles production.
Saleroom notices
The frame number is DM450M3700573 DGM8586-OM. The title is in transit.
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