1974 Ducati 750SS
by Ian Falloon
THIS BIKE’S HISTORY
This 1974 750 SS (engine number 075092) was originally imported by Keith Harte in Toronto, Canada. It was immediately prepared for racing and ridden by Ted Redford. Redford was a very experienced rider who had campaigned Manx Nortons and Harte's 1973 short-stroke Ducati 750 Imola racer at the Isle of Man. Redford also rode this 750 SS and the Imola bike in Canadian events from 1974. The street equipment was put aside and when this 750 SS was dropped in 1977 the bike was put into storage. At some stage it ended up in a museum in Canada, and in 2015 was purchased, along with an original 1973 750 Sport, by Somer Hooker in Tennessee. Somer Hooker sold it to Paul Pflugfelder.
Pflugfelder had owned the Vincent "Gunga Din" and had this restored by Rare Drive in New Hampshire. The restored Vincent tied for first place at Pebble Beach in 2010. This 750 SS was also sent to Mark Alin at Rare Drive for recommissioning prior to the Gooding auction at Amelia Island in March 2020. They apparently rebuilt the engine and sourced original Scarab front brakes but didn't perform a cosmetic restoration. After successfully winning the auction Peter and Paul Hageman subsequently completed a cosmetic restoration and rectified many inconsistencies.
The 750 Super Sport was the first factory replica of a racewinning machine and was as close a replica to the Imola 200 winning racer of 1972 that could be built, and still be street legal.
Ted Redford on Keith Harte's 1973 Imola racer at the Isle of Man and in Canada during 1974.
As values of the1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport have soared in recent years so has the propensity for creating fakes. And as the 750 Super Sport was based on the 750 Sport it is possible to build a replica out of a 750 Sport or 750 GT. This has become an increasing problem regarding these motorcycles in recent years. The most important consideration is the correct engine and frame number. The 750 Super Sport engine number sequence was unique, as was the frame number sequence, and unlike the 750 GT and Sport the frame number was stamped on the left side of the frame between the rear engine mounts instead of the steering head. This was due to the steering head fairing mount.
On this particular example it is clear the engine and frame numbers are original, the engine number font unique to the 1974 series and difficult to replicate. The right hand engine case is also stamped with the correct DM750.1, indicating a race-shop assembly. The frame number stamp is also correct, with the DM750SS and homologation number DGM 11871 OM in a different font from the frame number. This was because the frame designation and homologation number were stamped by the frame manufacturer Verlicchi, with the actual number stamped later by Ducati at their factory in Borgo Panigale.
Engine 075076 | Frame 075036
“The 750 Super Sport was the first factory replica of a race winning machine and was as close a replica to the lmola 200 winning racer of 1972 that could be built, and still be street legal”
Engine, Carburetors, and Exhaust
As I have not been able to ascertain whether the engine overhaul included retaining the original polished valve rockers and machined-from billet con-rods I cannot comment on these items. I also don't expect the original factory engine seal will be present. The Dell'Orto PHM 40A carburetors are the correct rare genuine type with hand stamped "40". These carburetors also include smooth bodies and flat tab vents. Also evident are the original welded steel intake manifolds. The carburetor bellmouths are the later type with pressed aluminum mesh rather than the original wire type.
The carburetor bell mouths are a later type with aluminum mesh. The carburetors are the genuine 1974 Dell'Orto PHM40A with flat tab vents and a hand-stamped "40".
The Conti mufflers are genuine 1974 PESCARA ITALY and the exhaust header pipes have the correct stamps.
The Conti exhaust clamps are correct.
BRAKES, SUSPENSION, AND WHEELS
The 3-position spring preload the rear 305 mm Marzocchi shock absorbers are correct as is the 38 mm Marzocchi front fork. This included a two-bolt front fender mount and an early type top triple clamp with sharper leading edges. The top triple clamp on this example is correct. The rare twin loop cable holders are also present.
All the fasteners are correct, either OAV or 3F, including the rare 3F 7/16 inch UNF muffler bolts.
The aluminum Borrani wheel rims were also specific to the 1974 750 SS. These had wider flanges than later types and a specific with five slashes. The front rim here is genuine and correct but the rear rim a later 1977 RM-11 type.
The brakes are correct, with twin Scarab front calipers and a master cylinder with an aluminum cap. The rear Lockheed caliper is also correct but the master cylinder a later replacement without LOCKHEED lettering. The front and rear brake lines and fittings are original.
The Marzocchi shock absorbers are the correct length and include the correct 3-position preload adjusters. The OAV bolts are also correct, as are the 3F UNF muffler bolts. The "M" markings on the shock are still present. These are open polished off during a restoration.
“The 750 SS was the first Ducati twin with desmodromic valves and triple disc brakes, in this case Scarab on the front and Lockheed on the rear.”
Handlebars, Switches, and Throttle
The Verlicchi clip-ons are the correct 1974 type with welded threaded stubs. Also correct is the Tommaselli Daytona 2C throttle with top mounted throttle stop screw. The throttle stop screw with rubber cover is missing. The correct rubber cable protector is present. The Aprilia light/horn switch with round headed screws is correct, as is the original ignition key switch. The chrome Neiman steering lock cover is original but generally the 750 SS didn't include a steering lock.
Headlight, Horn, Taillight, Instruments
The Aprilia JOD Duplo halogen headlight is correct, as is the single Voxbell horn, Smiths instruments, and CEV 9262 taillight. The dashboard ls original but the speedometer is missing the Smiths trip reset warning decal.
The Ducati Elettrotecnica regulator is original, as is the Aprilia "wood grain" fuse box and rubber bellows engine breather.
Aprilia "wood grain" fuse box
CEV 9262 taillight
FRAME AND BODYWORK
Care has been taken with the restoration of this 750 SS, as evidenced by the correct gold "MADE IN ITALY" decal. The seat covering and zipper is original and correct, as is the chrome trim. The instrument support is correct but should be painted black. The 8mm knurledhead Allen bolt fasteners are also correct. The water slide decals are correct and the fiberglass tank looks original. The fiberglass side cover is probably aftermarket because the grill mesh is much finer than standard. The ignition coils and fairing support bracket are correct and original.
The fiberglass side cover is probably aftermarket because the grill mesh is much finer than standard.
The instrument support is correct but should be painted black.
SUMMARY
The most important consideration regarding the authenticity of a 1974 Ducati 750 SS are the correct engine and frame numbers. The example (engine 075076; frame 075036) under investigation here is undoubtedly genuine, and one of 401 examples built. Although not documented, the history of original importation into Canada by Keith Harte and subsequently raced is well known. As the street equipment was retained this 750 SS hasn't required major restoration.
Nearly all the genuine components are present; including Scarab front and Lockheed rear brakes, Marzocchi suspension, early Dell'Orto PHM40A "hand-stamped" carburetors, Smiths instruments and Aprilia switches, JOD Duplo headlight, CEV taillight and all levers and controls. Other genuine components include one 1974 Borrani aluminum wheel rim, Conti mufflers, original seat and most fiberglass. As I haven't been able to inspect the engine internals I cannot comment on whether the correct polished valve rockers and billet-machined con-rods are present. My general assessment of this rare 1974 750 SS is that is is definitely authentic and presented in extremely original condition.
The example (engine 075076; frame 075036) under investigation here is undoubtedly genuine, and one of 401 examples built.
REPORT BY: IAN FALLOON | PHOTOS COURTESY: HAGEMAN MOTORCARS
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