2020-01-01_Motorcycle_Trader

a price. Not only was the racing program

curtailed but Ducati’s management also

decided the future lay in a range of dull two-

stroke models. But there were still enough

enthusiasts at the Bolognese factory to

ensure the sporting spirit survived, and at

the end of 1964 Ducati released the 250 Mach

1. This provided unprecedented performance
   for a production 250 single and stood
   out like a beacon in the sea of mediocre
   machinery that typified Ducatis at the time.

RACE-BRED

The impetus for the creation of the Mach 1

came from the Mark 3 Super Sport, a true

production racer released for club racing in

the US during 1963. The engine produced

30hp and featured a 10:1 compression

ratio, Dell’Orto SSI 27A carburettor,

magneto ignition, and a racing megaphone.

Other racing equipment included clip-on

handlebars, minimal mudguards, racing

tyres and a competition numberplate.

During 1964 the Mark 3 received a five-

speed gearbox but, with minimal silencing

and without an effective lighting system,

the market for a competitive club racing

98 MOTORCYCLE TRADER

Collectables

WHAT’S IT WORTH?

̃ New (1965) $550;

̃ Now (fair) $15,000;

̃(mint) $30,000

ABOVE Giant crankcase

breather hose

gives you some

idea of the state

of tune of this

engine. A redline of

8500rpm was pretty

respectable for a

street single in

1964 even with

a short stroke.

MACH 1

DU

CATI (^250)