The legendary 1974 750 SS Green Frame round case is perhaps the most sought after production Ducati. The year after its production run, Ducati introduced the 860 square case, in GT and GTE form, to be their superbike standard bearer and to completely replace the 750. As so often happens with the Italians, things did not go exactly as planned. Because of the displacement limits on racing classes in some markets, distributors still wanted 750 or 900cc bikes depending on their national rules.
Ducati launched the 860 series as planned, but in April and May 1975, the firm built approximately 495 750 and 900 Super Sport models, primarily for Australia, Canada, Italy and South Africa. These blended the rounded styling cues of the green frame 750SS with the stouter bottom end and angular cases of the 860 topped with the original bevel-drive desmodromic head. Unlike the 860, these were based on the earlier 750 frame, and were built without regard for the emissions and noise restrictions then coming into vogue. Obviously these 750SSs were an enthusiast's dream. When you combined these features with beautiful styling, including a single seat, rear set pegs, clip-on bars, a half fairing and twin disc brakes, it was obvious Ducati had created a masterpiece. Ducati guru, Ian Falloon described these limited edition SSs as, "...one of the finest of all Ducati production motorcycles", and backed his claim by riding one.
This example lived much of its life in Australia, where it was restored by a former Ducati technician from Bologna, then resident down under. It was then sold on Ebay to America, arriving in early 2002. The consigner has cherished it, and the odometer shows less than 100 miles since the restoration. It has the correct silver and blue paint scheme and decals. The Borrani Record aluminum rims have a beautiful aged polished patina. The bike retains its original right hand shift and folding starting crank. Triple clamps and lower forks show the original black mottled finish. The shapely Conti mufflers and dual front disc brakes complete the authentic look of this Italian masterpiece, which is a step beyond the Green Frame.
Estimate: $45,000 - 50,000
Spotted these two on a swapmeet couple of years ago :
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