1965 Ducati 204cc Elite
Frame no. DM200-156065
Engine no. DM200-156313

• Charismatic Italian OHC single
• Restored to 'concours' condition
• Italian registered

Previously a producer of radios and electronic equipment, Bologna-based Ducati turned to motorcycle manufacture after WW2 with the Cucciolo ('little pup'), a clip-on engine designed for bicycle attachment. Unusual in being a four-stroke at a time when most such utility units were two-strokes, the Cucciolo was soon followed by a range of proper, lightweight motorcycles, the first of which, the '60', appeared in 1949 and was powered by a 60cc overhead-valve engine. Another landmark was the arrival in 1952 of the '98' designed, like its predecessors, by Giovanni Fiorio. Fiorio's pushrod engine would be further enlarged and developed, finally featuring in a range of stylish 125cc models that would be produced into the early 1960s.

Designed by newly arrived Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first motorcycle to have an overhead-camshaft engine - the single-cylinder 100 Gran Sport - first appeared on the racetrack in 1955 and soon proved unbeatable in its class. Taglioni's versatile design proved capable of considerable enlargement, being produced in various capacities from the original 98cc up to 450cc. A pair of 175cc roadsters was introduced for the 1956 season, the sports version of which (known as the 'Silverstone' in the UK) was capable of more than 80mph, an astonishing achievement at the time and one that helped establish the giant killing reputation long enjoyed by Ducati's miniature masterpieces. In 1959 the engine capacity was increased to 204cc for the Elite and 200SS models, but from 1961 onwards the Elite's engine was based on that of the 250cc model. Top speed of either was in the region of 85mph. Lightweight, nimble, sure-footed and possessing a gem of an engine that sounds glorious when it comes 'on the cam', these little Dukes are a purist's delight to ride.

Restored to 'concours' condition and period correct, the example offered here has to be one of the most beautiful Elites currently available. The machine is offered with its original Italian libretto and ASI Targa Oro. The competition-type Veglia rev counter is particularly worthy of note.