VOL. 6 NO. 1
March 08, 2026
NOW LIVE ON BRING A TRAILER
1 of just 20 factory NCR TT machines ever produced. This extraordinary Ducati represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most significant competition motorcycles of its era. Built by NCR (Nepoti Caracchi Racing) — the legendary Bologna-based racing house responsible for Ducati’s most successful factory race efforts — these TT bikes were purpose-built to dominate the brutal Isle of Man and international road racing circuits of the late 1970s.
The model’s place in history was immortalized when Mike Hailwood delivered his legendary comeback victory at the 1978 Isle of Man TT, piloting an almost identical Ducati NCR racer to one of the most celebrated wins in motorsport history. After an 11-year absence from motorcycle racing, Hailwood returned to defeat the world’s best riders, cementing Ducati’s reputation for engineering excellence and endurance on the world’s toughest road race.
With only twenty examples produced, factory NCR TT machines remain among the most coveted Ducati race bikes ever built — combining hand-fabricated race engineering, featherweight construction, and the unmistakable desmodromic V-twin power that defined Ducati’s racing identity.
As 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Ducati, this remarkable machine stands as a tribute to a century of innovation, performance, and racing heritage. We are proud to present only the finest collector motorcycles, and this exceptionally rare NCR TT represents the very pinnacle of Ducati’s storied competition legacy — a true centerpiece for any serious collection.
1978 DUCATI 900 NCR TT1
In June 1978 the great motorcycle champion Mike Hailwood came out of retirement and rode a Ducati 900 NCR TT1 to victory in the TT F1 race at the Isle of Man. Hailwood was 38 years old and this victory was Ducati’s most significant since the Imola 200 in 1972. As TT F1 regulations required the racing bikes to be based on a production series, in 1978 Ducati engaged their quasi factory racing department NCR to build 25 900 TT1 machines. These were subsequently sold to well-heeled enthusiasts and racers, including Sports Motorcycles in Manchester who entered Hailwood in the TT. This NCR 900 hasn’t been raced and is presented in as new condition, still with the original Michelin tires.
Read more about the history or view the live auction at Bring a Trailer.
This is an exceptional example of one of an estimated 18–20 Ducati 900 NCR TTl racing motorcycles produced from 1977 through 1979. Of these, there are possibly only four or five remaining in original, unraced condition. Of which, this is one.
—IAN FALLOON
