Historic 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer Headlines Rare Ducati Offerings at Mecum Monterey 2026

Two low-production, exceptionally rare Ducatis will cross the block at Mecum’s Monterey Auction

WALWORTH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mecum Auctions will hold its annual Monterey, California, auction this Aug. 13-15 at Del Monte Golf Course, where it will present an extremely rare pair of historic Ducati motorcycles including a 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer. Held during the prestigious Monterey Car Week, the Mecum Monterey auction will mark the first time in history that a 1972 Imola 200 racer of this magnitude is offered for public sale. The second half of this impressive Ducati offering is a highly original two-owner 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame. Both motorcycles are set to cross the block on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.

One of just eight examples produced and one of seven transported by Ducati to the historic 1972 Imola 200-mile race, the Imola racer stands as a direct connection to a defining moment in the celebrated marque’s racing heritage. According to respected Ducati historian Ian Falloon, this example is among the most authentic in existence and believed to be the counterpart of the winning Paul Smart motorcycle now preserved in the Ducati Museum in Bologna, Italy.

Falloon’s research confirms the motorcycle’s factory significance, noting it as one of the only two bikes prepared for Smart’s 1972 Imola campaign. Today, it retains an exceptional level of originality, including its original factory bodywork, fairing, fuel tank, seat and tail section. It is one of only three known examples retaining its original engine cases, and it remains unaltered—never crashed and never modified.

Accompanying the Imola is a 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame that exists as one of just 401 built and one of only a handful believed to remain in such highly original, low-mileage condition. Also reviewed by Falloon, it is considered one of approximately 10 examples worldwide in this level of preservation, remaining unrestored and showing just two owners from new.

For more on the significance of these ultra-rare Ducati artifacts, read the full feature article at Mecum.com. The Ducati pairing will join an exceptional lineup of vehicles slated for the Mecum Monterey auction block, including an array of other significant collector motorcycles and approximately 600 classic and collector cars. For more information on Mecum Monterey 2026 and all other scheduled Mecum events, visit the website or call [phone]. Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles offered, as well as a detailed auction and event schedule.

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