In 1967, Ducati rejoined the single-cylinder roadbike market with the Mark 3 (or MK3) 250 and 350 models, as well as a 450 version by the end of the ’60’s. Ducati would spend almost two-and-a-half decades utilizing single-cylinder engines that used Fabio Taglioni’s non-spring-actuated valve-system. Ducati also offered a factory race kit for the MK3, though I haven’t been able to determine exactly what said kit consisted of. Regardless, this example is not all original, having received upgrades in various areas over the years, almost all of which are period correct. This example also sports full race bodywork and a high-mounted exhaust.
The MK3 250 was powered by a four-stroke single-cylinder 248.6cc engine with 10° forward angle configuration with O.H.C. valves inclined 80°. The quarter-liter Italian power plant made 30HP at 8000RPM and had a top speed of nearly 90mph. The engine was lubricated via wet sump forced lubrication with gear pump. The MK3 came from the factory with a single Dell’Orto VHB 29 carburetor. Married to the 250 engine was a five speed chain-drive helical gear transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch.
Wrapped around the power plant was a “Simplex” open cradle tubular steel frame with hydraulic telescopic forks found at the frame’s head and dual adjustable hydraulic shocks in back to dampen the swingarm. The MK3 was equipped with stock drum brakes (180mm front – 160mm rear) and in total weighed in at 280lbs (or 127kgs. With a near 29-inch seat-height, the MK3 was fairly at home on the street or track.
This example has a lot of upgrades to make it more track oriented while still being period correct, like Honda 400/4 forks and an electric ignition. (The sale includes a spare electric ignition too, as well as a spare Scitsu tachometer). This example is CRMC (Classic Racing Motorcycle Club) registered and appears to be ready to go, albeit a new coat of paint wouldn’t hurt the thing. The engine on this example recently underwent a complete rebuild that included an Omega piston on the standard bore, an Arrow rod, coil-spring conversion, a 173A Cam, and straight cut primary gears.
While I could only find a 1966 MK3 Diana and not a normal ’67 MK3, the Diana did sell at Bonhams in May of 2010 for $17,250. I also found another MK3 250 from ’67 that went for $12,500 in recent years, but it was in full street trim, making it difficult to evaluate these Ducati’s. Speaking of Ducati, the manufacturer places a lot of importance on its racing heritage, so it’s cool that Ducati’s website includes pages for all of its historical models including the MK3. The page displays info, history and specs, as well as some really cool print adds for the MK3 from when it was being sold that are pretty cool to see.
You can find this 1967 Ducati MK3 250 racer for sale here on RaceBikeMart.com in the U.K. with a price of $7,375 (or £5,750).