Vehicle Description
1980 Ducati SI MHR, Mike Hailwood #355, Very Rare Bike, Museum
Piece Mike Hailwood was one of motorcycle racings all-time greats,
having won nine World Championships and seventy six Grand Prix
victories with MV Agusta and Honda. His connection with 'the
scariest road race in the world' is also legendry, with 14 Tourist
Trophy wins. He also competed in 50 Formula 1 car Grand Prix's and
LeMans series races. In 1978 Mike Hailwood was enticed out of
retirement to compete in the Isle of Man TT races on a NCR Ducati
900 prepared by Sports Motorcycles of Manchester England. He won
the Senior TT event beating Phil Read on a Honda GB. To commemorate
this historic victory, Ducati decided to build a small batch of
Mike Hailwood Replicas. It was never intended to become a permanent
addition to the Ducati line up, but by the early to mid-1980s
became their biggest seller. But it is only the early 1979 and 1980
models, known as the 'series one' that are collectable having been
built on the Super Sport platform. The later models were built in
far greater numbers and are less of a sports bike. The series two
1981-82 is more a Grand Sport machine and the series three 1983-84
is more a Grand Touring machine. The series four for 1985 grew to
1000cc and is barely recognizable from the original masterpiece.
The series ones are recognized by the DM860SS frame number prefix.
The later models were prefixed DM900SS. The total production for
the series one models numbered approximately 600. The first 200 for
1979 had a plastic cover over the steel 900SS gas tank and a rather
crude seat arrangement. This combined with a dull brick red paint
and olive drab paint scheme with fewer decals. It made for a rather
unattractive looking machine. These bikes were an instant smash
hit, and were sold out immediately. So a further 100 were produced.
These are the 1979 � models. For 1980 production totaled 300
machines. It still had all the highly desirable Super Sport
options, including one-piece fairing, Conti silencers, and 40mm
pumper carbs with chip pan filters and no side panels. But also
came with a proper steel gas tank and a suitable seat along with
attractive bright red and green paint and decals. No 'series ones'
were officially imported to the United States, and only a few are
here now. Making this bike one of the most sought after collectable
Ducati's available. Do not confuse the 'series ones' with the later
lesser models. This bike is number #355. The 1980 models were #300
- #600. It was originally purchased from Mike Hailwood at his shop
Hailwood and Gould in Birmingham England. It came to America 20
years ago and has been in a private museum, and is now being
offered to the decimating collector/investor. With the 1974 Ducati
750 Super Sports now priced into six figures. This even rarer model
should soon catch up and may likely surpass them. The bike comes
with many MOT inspection certificates and tax discs showing its
history and usage. Recently it had a recommissioning with a full
brake and carburetor overhaul. The mileage of 19,576 kms (12,083
miles) is original. It has a US and UK title. Gas has been drained
and battery removed for storage and display. We are selling this
incredible machine for a client of ours and all technical questions
will be answered as quickly as possible but may take time to get as
he has limited access. Sold on a clean, mileage exempt US title.
VIN#DM86055900355 Please see our other auctions for an equally rare
1981 Ducati NCR