more images | Ducati UK 70s
In 1972, after the success attained in America in the beginning of the sixties with the Scramblers, Ducati proposed utilizing the same formula on the Italian market, with which it had incredible success, especially with the desmodromic 450. The end of the 1960s coincided with the boom of the maxibikes. Once again, engineer Taglioni provided Ducati with the winning weapon. On April 23, 1972, Ducati returned to racing, participating in the Imola 200 Miles, with a new twin cylinder desmodromic 750, entrusted to Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari who finished first and second. The exceptional 750 Supersport was created in response to the spectacular race.
Bruno Spaggiari in front of Giacomo Agostini’s MV Agusta.
In 1978, Mike Hailwoodä, who had grown up with the Ducati single cylinders, got back on the bike for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, astonishing the public and fans with his win at the Formula 1 TT on the mythic mountain. The bike was a Supersport elevated to 900 cc. In recognition of his exceptional effort, Ducati created the splendid limited edition 900 SS Mike Hailwoodä Replica.
|