Stunning Barn Find Ducati 750SS Heads to Auction
The bike is the definition of the phrase ‘barn find’ and offers the opportunity to own a timewarp example of Ducati’s iconic 750SS
The phrase ‘barn find’ has been bandied around quite a bit recently, and while on some occasions it means a rusty wreck only fit for the scrap heap, in this case, it is a wholly appropriate way to describe this Ducati 750SS.
The bike was formerly part of “Slow Joe” Gardella’s collection. Gardella was a famous classic bike builder, collector, and restorer from Michigan in the United States. He’s also well known in classic bike circles for taking part in the Cannonball cross-country races, staying true to his collection by using pre and post-war machines for the feat. Gardella sadly passed away in December 2023.
While Slow Joe had a particular penchant for an air-cooled American V-twin, the Mecum sale at Las Vegas has a slightly more exotic machine in the sales catalogue. The bike in question is of course this beautiful Ducati 750SS, and when I say it’s in completely original condition throughout, I really do mean it.
This thing is about as unmolested as a bike of this age gets, and seems to still have everything it left the factory with around 60 years ago. From beautifully high-rimmed Borrani wheels, which are even shod in period-correct Metzler C7 hoops, to the cracked and peeling decals on the fuel tank, every element of patina the bike displays only seems to add to the machine’s appeal.
The 750SS isn’t the only machine from Gardella’s estate in the sale, as an equally beautiful 900SS is also included in the lots. It’s not quite as much of a barn find as the 750, although still looks to be in nice original condition - just without quite the same amount of weather-beaten authenticity.
Both machines will be crossing the auction block at the Mecum Las Vegas sale on February 1, 2025. They are both being offered without reserve. I just hope that whoever buys them either keeps the bikes as they are, or tries to maintain their beautifully original state.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
