1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport

For the inaugural Imola 200 in 1972, Ducati prepared eight new desmodromic-valve racers, and, in a tremendous upset, Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari defeated Giacomo Agostini on his works MV Augusta. The Ducati victory ushered in a new era for the motorcycle firm and set the course for international success.

In 1974, Ducati produced 401 homologation specials, such as the one on offer, which were road-going versions of the Imola 200 winner. Dashing in their silver-and-green livery and powered by Ducati’s glorious bevel-drive 750 cc twin, the Super Sports were an immediate success. The influential magazine Cycle described the Ducati as “a bike that stands at the farthest reaches of the sporting world – the definitive factory-built café racer.”

Robert Westercamp purchased this 750 SS for $3,370.25 on August 19, 1974, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A lifelong Ducati devotee, he owned this motorcycle from new until he sold it to the consignor in 2013, and for many years during Westercamp’s ownership it was exhibited at the National Motorcycle Museum.

Remaining in wonderfully original condition, this example retains the important lead engine case seal and blue paint marking on the cylinder head, as authenticated by marque authority Ian Falloon in his extensive report that accompanies the sale. With its originality, long-term ownership, and original sales documentation, this is a remarkable example of one of the most beautiful and collectible motorcycles in existence – the legendary Green Frame 750 SS.