1974 Ducati 750SS
“The Woods Bike”
SOLD
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Like the “Keith Hale 750SS” The Woods bike stands as an important and unique outlier to the 401 examples produced to commemorate the historic victory of Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari in 1972.
This unique Ducati 750SS was built by legendary southern California Ducati hot rod shop, Woods Motor Shop. The Woods Bike was originally delivered to Storm’s Cycle Sales in Texas and first sold in 1975. In the mid-1980s, a subsequent owner commissioned Jim Woods to reinterpret and build this one-off 750SS custom. Woods — a renowned bevel engine builder and tuner — transformed the traditional green and silver color scheme by adding subtle gold and black pin-striping and Jim’s signature “eagle” to the fuel tank.
So compelling are the original photos, receipts, and overall look of this green frame, that the current owner decided not to erase this chapter of its history, instead to acknowledge its uniqueness and So-Cal hot rod heritage. To say that the current owner is detail-oriented would be a gross understatement and included with the sale is a huge history file of the restoration process, original receipts, as well as hundreds of photos and notes over nine-year restoration.
The Woods bike is undoubtedly genuine; one of 401 examples built and one of 88 originally sold in the USA. It is verified by known ownership and documentation since its first sale in 1975. This history includes dismantling by the original owner and the susbequent bespoke mild custom modification by the legendary California Woods Motor Shop. When the bike was subsequently sold in 2013 it was restored with many original parts not present in the Woods’ interpretation. However, it was also restored so as to retain the Woods influence and style, including the high-rise exhaust system as a nod to its true hot-rod beginnings. The correct scarab front brakes, 1973 750SS Marzocchi fork (sold as a genuine replacement spare part), and correct 1974 and 1975 Borrani wheel rims were added to the bike. Most original components are present including the fiberglass, seat, fasteners, lights, switched, levers, shock absorbers, and early Dell’Orto PHM40A “hand-stamped” carburetors. The engine was completely rebuilt and the bike is provided with a set of original bodywork thus has the possibility of being both a bespoke custom and an original.
Archive 35mm photos c.1970s:
Additional Photos:
