Specifications: 583 cc SOHC Desmo V-twin, five speeds.

As the 1970s wound down for Ducati, designer Fabio Taglioni found himself back in favour and produced a rabbit out of the hat. It was the 500-cc belt-drive camshaft V-twin Desmo Pantah, whose racing sibling, the TT2, would hand Ducati four Formula 2 world championships between 1981-84. Taglioni’s design was significantly smaller and quieter than the outgoing bevel-drive twins, as well as much cheaper to build. When the engine was boosted to 600 cc in 1980, the few teething troubles were solved, and the 600SL gained a better fairing and a hydraulic clutch. Electronics were by Nippon Denso, brakes were by Brembo, and top speed was increased slightly from the 500SL, at around 124 mph. The bike on offer is finished in the distinctive silver fairing with red inserts and gold Campagnolo alloy rims, presented in good original condition aside from its modified fairing.