Ducati Mark 3 250

[TonyB]

I have a freind who used to own a Ducati Mark 3 250 in the 60's. He bought it new in Gore, and still has very fond memories of that bike. Apparently only 3 were bought in to NZ, 2 going to Gore (of all places!) and 1 to Chch. They originally were white and silver, but the Gore examles were painted Purple. They were very quick in their day:
According to my mate, these things used to be able to take down a Triumph 650- even when 2 up. Yikes! Though they went through normal spark plugs in about 40 miles and required tuning at short intervals to remain on-song. He has tried to find out what became of them, or even find some info on them, but he can only find stuff on bikes with a different spec to his. He is begining to suspect that they were a factory special with lights etc, which was apparently produced in limited numbers at that time. It was quick enough that the owner of the bike shop rang his dad to recommend that he didn't allow him to buy it, as it was 'a very fast bike'. He swears black and blue that they could do a genuine 120mph, which I struggle to believe, but I'd love to see him proven correct.
Anyway, like I said, he has very fond memories of that bike and he'd get a real kick out of seeing one again, or even find out some info on exactly what they were. Does anyone here know what became of them?

[TonyB]

A bit more info on his one. The original rego was 154AR, and he sold it to a dentist who reckoned he was going to use it as a farm hack- seems like an unbelievable thing to do, but as he said he was young and needed the money, he didn't realise it would occupy such a warm and fuzzy place in his heart 40 odd years later.

[Blakamin]

I wanna see one.... saw a guy riding a cadet in the hutt today.... want one of those... saw a paso this morning while riding my bike... want one too... If anyone has a Ducati collection they dont want, just PM me