Chassis: ZDM1000*100492*
Engine: ZDM1000R*100431*
Salesroom Addendum
Please note that a new title has recently been processed and should be available shortly following the auction.
An Exceptionally Original Example of Ducati’s Final Bevel-Drive Twin Model
Retains Original Paint, Decals, and Other Rarely Seen Details
Offered with a Report by Marque Expert Ian Falloon
Showed Less than 6,500 Km at the Time of Cataloguing; Just Three Owners from New
A Preservation-Class Example of One of Ducati’s Most Important Models
864 CC L-Twin 4-Stroke Engine
Twin Dell’Orto PHM Carburetors
76 BHP at 6,700 RPM
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front and Rear Brembo Disc Brakes
Front Telescopic Fork Suspension
Rear Swing-Arm Suspension with Twin Telescopic Shock Absorbers
Mike “The Bike” Hailwood is one of history’s most enigmatic and revered riders, and his performance at the 1978 Isle of Man TT cemented his legend. Hailwood was 38 years old, had stopped racing in 1972, and had not raced at the Isle of Man for 11 years. However, in 1978, on his Ducati 900 NCR, he caught the leader Phil Read by lap 3, eventually winning the race by more than two minutes at an average speed of 108.51 mph. Like Ducati’s famous victory at Imola in 1972, this would become one of the firm’s seminal racing moments.
Ducati had demonstrated the popularity of a race replica with its iconic 1974 750 Super Sport, and the company did the same when unveiling a Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR) in London in 1979. The final and most advanced model was the Mille MHR, such as the example offered here. As only 1,111 were built, it is one of the rarest and most desirable Ducatis of the era.
This remarkable example was originally sold in Texas, and it remained with its original owner until 2017. It was purchased in 2020 by the consignor and, according to marque expert Ian Falloon’s accompanying 24-page report, the bike retains a plethora of original details, including original paint and decals, as well as genuine engine and frame numbers. As the Mille MHR is the final version of Ducati’s bevel-drive twin, it is a motorcycle of historical import. A highly preserved example such as this would make an exciting prize for even the most discerning collector.
