In April 1961, Ducati released two new 250 singles, the touring-oriented Monza and the sporting Diana. Envisioned as a road-going version of its factory 250 F3 racer, the Diana provided unprecedented performance for a production 250 single of this period, only to be surpassed by the updated Mark 3 and Mach 1, introduced in 1962 and 1964 respectively.

The Mach 1 was even more highly tuned than the already potent Diana. The 74 x 57.8 mm single-cylinder engine was descended from the racing F3s and included a single overhead camshaft driven by a vertical shaft and bevel gears. The Mach 1 also had a 10:1 compression ratio, larger (40 mm and 36 mm) valves, and a hotter camshaft. As with all the overhead camshaft singles, the valve springs were the hairpin type, and with an unfiltered Dell’Orto SSI 29D carburetor and street muffler, the claimed power was 27.6 hp at 8,500 rpm. A rear-set rocking gear change pedal operated the five-speed gearbox and the handlebars were generally a clip-on type. Top speed in full road trim was just over 100 mph.

According to Ducati expert Ian Falloon, this late-production Mach 1 has been sympathetically restored, retaining many original parts, including the correct steel wheel rims and Marzocchi suspension. Based on its engine number, this example was probably built in 1965 as a 1966 model, the last year the model was sold before being replaced by a redesigned 250 Mark 3 model. The opportunity to acquire this beautiful 250 Mach 1, one of just 136 US-market examples built, should not be missed.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale. Please also note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and will require mechanical maintenance prior to road use.