c.1958 Ducati 175 Formula 3

Registration No: Un-Registered
Frame No: F514
MOT: Exempt

• Hand-made, limited-production and extremely expensive when new
• Unique frame modifications believed to have been made by the factory
• Beautifully restored in c.2011

• The Road and Race Collection

With their lithe, lightweight frames, racing accoutrements and beautiful copper-and-crimson colour schemes, it’s hard to mistake a Ducati Formula Three. They were built in three guises—125, 175 and 250cc—between 1958 and 1962 for production racing classes, but only in very limited numbers. They differed substantially from their road-going siblings, with sand-cast crankcases, special heads, straight-cut gears, lowered frames and upgraded brakes. Successes were almost immediate, with Francesco Villa riding a 175 F3 to victory in the 1958 Grand Prix des Nations at Monza, and Franco Farné winning the 250cc class with a 175 at Daytona in 1959. Hand-built and very expensive—the price new was more than a Manx Norton—total F3 production is thought to have been under 100.

This beautifully restored F3 exhibits slight modifications, with extra frame bars and Oldani magnesium brakes. It is the vendor’s opinion that the frame modifications are “too good for the aftermarket,” suggesting they were done by the factory for a very wealthy owner. Our bike was owned for more than 20 years by an Italian enthusiast before being bought by our vendor, a collector of rare thoroughbred motorcycles, in 2016. It was restored circa 2011 with an engine overhaul, and was used to illustrate the F3 model in The Book of the Ducati Overhead Camshaft Singles 1955-1974, but will now require recommissioning. Not registered with the D.V.L.A., some import duties may have to be paid.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217