Lot 437: 1986 Ducati 598cc Pantah Desmo

Debuting in 1979, Ducati’s Pantah 500 marked both the maker’s traditional command of the sports V-twin market and their departure from tradition in the use of toothed timing belts, instead of bevel gears, to drive the desmodromic valve-gear, itself a technological feat approached by no other maker. Then controversial, but now accepted by all, the belts reduced production costs and made for a smoother engine. This original example, still wearing the factory’s grey livery, is to the more powerful 600cc specification. Imported in 1998, it has seen little use since. It has been well-maintained, having had the cam belts changed this year as well as a full service with all fluids changed and new braided hoses. Its only demerit is a slightly noisy starter motor. C376 CRU is sold with a V5C, dating certificate and a recent MOT, is running well and is ready for the summer roads.