Ducati V4 Granturismo engine - death of the desmo? paultan.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from paultan.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Published: 16 March 2021 Updated: 16 March 2021 1937 Vincent HRD 498cc Comet Series A 12
Bonhams are planning to make the return to live auctions at the International Classic Motorcycle show at Stafford in July. Already some stars are starting to emerge, including a fabulous pair of Vincents.
First up is a 1937 498cc Comet Series A, which was the first model to use the Philip Vincent designed engine. Fully restored in the early 2000s, this one took an award at the 2009 Stafford show and has done just 100 shake-down miles since. It’s expected to sell for £35,000-£45,000.
Even more stunning is a 1951 example of the legendary 998cc Black Shadow, the first production bike to top 120mph. This one underwent a four year nut and bolt restoration, winning Best in Show at Stafford in 2010. It’s set to fetch £60,000-£75,000.
Not only does 2021 mark the 50th anniversary of the very first production Ducati L-twin – the 1971 GT750 – it also sadly signifies another nail in the coffin for the desmo V-twin.
The arrival of the new, cam-driven Multistrada V4 and the 2018 switch from V-twin to V4 power for the Panigale family means the engine that not only characterised modern Ducati but also dominated a generation of motorcycle sport is on borrowed time.
The desmo V-twin, after all, has been at the heart of every Ducati superbike from the original 1974 750 Super Sport to the 2017, 200+bhp 1299 Panigale R, with the MHR900, 851, 916 and more in-between.