Rare Hailwood race bike up for auction this month

A 1960 Ducati ‘Barcone’ 125cc Grand Prix bike once owned and raced by Mike Hailwood will be auctioned off later this month.

The rare bike, known as D1, will be a part of Bonham’s Spring Stafford Sale at the International Classic Motorcycle Show on April 23, 2023.

Initially acquired by Stan Hailwood directly from the Ducati factory, the bike underwent a few adjustments, including installing a taller fuel tank and thickly padded seat. Mike went on to nine titles on D1 before the Isle of Man TT, where he crashed on the first lap.

However, the bike would race again, including helping Hailwood to his 1960 British 125cc Championship.

After Hailwood signed with Honda in 1961, the Ducati was sold and passed through several buyers before being acquired by the late Captain Ivan Forshaw in the 1980s.

Purchased as a works racing motorcycle, its connection to Hailwood went unknown until it was recently identified by Ducati authority Ian Falloon.

Ben Walker, Global Head of Bonhams Motorcycles, said: “This extraordinary discovery is fantastic news.

“The Ducati offers its successful buyer the unrepeatable opportunity to carefully preserve and conserve a significant piece of the legendary Mike Hailwood’s history.”

The bike iexpected to be sold for £95,000 to £120,000 at the auction.

More information can be found on the Bonhams website.