1973 Ducati 750 GT ‘Round Case’ Engine Number: DM750753933 ...

Estimate

£18,000 - £21,000

1973 Ducati 750 GT ‘Round Case’

Engine Number: DM750753933
Frame Number: DM750S 753157
Nominal miles since restoration

Designed by the legendary Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first road-going v-twin - the 750 GT - arrived in 1971. Lacking the resources of larger Far Eastern rivals, Ducati had made the most of what it already possessed to create one of the all-time great post-war motorcycles. A 90-degree vee, the engine looked like two of the Bologna firm's bevel-drive overhead-cam singles on a common crankcase (which in essence it was) though the coil valve springs represented a departure from Ducati's traditional hairpins. The 90-degree layout made for exceptional smoothness and a lengthy wheelbase, a handicap more apparent than real that failed to stop the fine-handling Ducatis notching up a succession of wins in Formula 750 events, commencing with Paul Smart's famous victory at Imola in 1972. 

The round case motor was developed from the very successful 250, 350 and 450 single cylinder bevel drive Ducatis from the 1960s. The single cylinder 450 motor was canted back, and an additional cylinder added. A compact engine, the 750cc round case motor was not much larger than that of the 450 but with a 300cc’s added. These motors run backwards, and the centre of the crankshaft was designed to be as close as possible to being in between the front and rear wheel spindles and at the same height. The result was a motorcycle range which was incredibly fast, small, had great brakes and handled like nothing on earth. The entire round case range of bikes was three very specific models. There was the GT750, the 750 Sport and the 1974 750SS, known as the Green Frame. Using the same engine, frame and forks Ducati made their first range of large capacity motorcycles which left an indelible stamp in the history of motorcycles.

A beautfiul restored example, the Ducati has been used as a display piece only in recent times, prior to coming for sale. One of the best twin cylinder road going motorcycles of its era, these early sandcast machines are difficult to find, and as such are appreciating in value.