Mecum Auctions holds its annual Monterey, California, auction from August 13-15, 2026 at Del Monte Golf Course, where the company presents an extremely rare set of historic Ducati motorcycles, including a 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer. Held during the prestigious Monterey Car Week, the Mecum Monterey auction marks the first time in history that a 1972 Imola 200 racer of this magnitude is offered for public sale. The second half of this Ducati offering is a highly original two-owner 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame. Both motorcycles cross the block on Saturday, August 15th.

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 that is preserved in the Bologna, Italy-based Ducati Museum.

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. As of 2026, the bike 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, having never crashed and 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 indicating just two owners.

The Ducati pairing joins 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.

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