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Overview
Ducati 250
Designed by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati's first overhead-camshaft
single - the 100 Gran Sport - appeared on the racetrack in 1954 and soon proved
unbeatable in its class.
A pair of 175cc roadsters was introduced for the 1956 season,
the sports version of which was capable of more than 80mph, an astonishing
achievement at the time and one that helped establish the 'giant killing'
reputation long enjoyed by Ducati's miniature masterpieces. In 1959 the engine
capacity was increased to 204cc for the Elite and 200SS models, and then in 1961
came the first road-going '250', the Diana.
Developed from a successful production racer, the sporting
newcomer sold as the 'Daytona' in the UK and could be ordered with a race kit
for track use. The kit boosted engine power and raised top speed from 84mph to
the magic 'ton', demonstrating a potential for further development that would be
fully realised by the Daytona's successor: the legendary Mach I.