Almost as soon as the 750 GT went into limited production in July 1971, a 750 Sport was on the drawing board. The first version, also titled the “Bruno Spaggiari Special” was shown to the delegates at the annual Italian dealer convention (L’annuale riunione dei concessionari) in Milan in September 1971.

Ostensibly this was a cosmetically modified 750 GT, but it laid the path for the first 750 Sport (the Z-stripe).

Work proceeded very quickly on the 750 Sport, and another prototype appeared at the sixth Salone delle Vacance di Torino. With unfiltered Amal carburetors and black-painted engine covers, this example featured Nippon Denso instruments, curved Conti mufflers, a white-painted frame, black fuel tank, and a rear Lockheed disc brake.

Early in 1972 a further prototype, now with a half fairing and painted ochre with black “Z-stripe” colors, appeared and was displayed to the Italian press. This example was also tested with high-rise exhaust pipes alongside three 500 Grand Prix machines at Modena.

Another version was produced after Imola. This differed in small details to the eventual production versions, including a two-piece fiberglass rear fender, leather upholstered seat, different seat mounts, a headlight shell with cable detents, and a twin leading shoe rear brake.

In July 1972, following its use as a show and test bike, it was presented to factory rider Bruno Spaggiari. This story is continued in detail in the book on the Ducati 750 Sport.

More on this model, including auction results and a link to the Classic Two Wheels period road test