S-22720-0-1

380 NFormerly the property of Martin Probstc.1958 Ducati 125cc Formula 3Racing MotorcycleFrame no. 125TS 651744Engine no. DM125S/1 206531Designed by newly arrived Fabio Taglioni, Ducati’s first overheadcamshaftsingle - the 100 Gran Sport - appeared on the racetrackin 1955 and soon proved unbeatable in its class. The Gran Sport’soverhead cam was driven by a vertical shaft and bevel gears, andthis method was carried over to Ducati’s next racer, the 125, alandmark design that debuted Taglioni’s famous ‘desmodromic’method of valve actuation that dispensed with springs, the valvesbeing closed by a third set of cams. Positive valve closure was not anew idea, but Taglioni was the first to make it work on a motorcycleengine and Ducati remains the only manufacturer to have offered thisinnovation for public sale. The new 125 racer debuted in the SwedishGrand Prix at Hedemora in July 1956 when, with factory rider DegliAntoni aboard, it lapped the entire field, romping away to a fairytalevictory.For the production racing classes, Ducati offered its Formula 3 modelin 125cc, 175cc and (later) 250cc capacities. Although visibly similarto their road-going equivalents, these were very different motorcyclesfeaturing sand-cast crankcases and special engine internals, whilethe camshaft bevels and primary drive featured straight-cut gears.The gearbox was a four-speeder.Lower and lighter than the roadster versions, the frames featureda lower steering head, shorter forks and a shorter swinging arm.Brakes were upgraded to racing specification. The Formula 3’s firstmajor success came in 1958, shortly after its introduction, whenFranco Villa rode one to victory in the 175 F3 race supporting theGrand Prix des Nations at Monza. In its native Italy the 125 Formula 3would provide Ducati with regular victories in the class into the mid-1960s.This 125cc Formula 3 racer was purchased by the current vendor, aprominent German private collector, from the late Martin Probst, oneof the design team responsible for the BMW K1 and K100, shortlybefore he died. A perfectionist engineer, Probst was always workingon improvements to the little Ducati. Described as in generallyexcellent condition, it represents a wonderful opportunity to acquireone of these rare, over-the-counter Formula 3 racers that brought theItalian company so much success in its early years.£8,000 - 14,000€11,000 - 20,000Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.motorcycles | 139