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Winning Formula
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1958 Ducati Formula 3
Basem Wasef
07/01/2006
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Photography by Cordero Studios/corderostudios.com
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Fabio Taglioni, founder of Ducati’s trademark
desmodromic valve system, produced in 1955 what is considered to be the
company’s first race bike, the 100cc Marianna. The third iteration of the
Marianna was christened the Formula 3, and, in 1958, only 40 Formula 3 factory
production racers were made. While most were sold in their native Italy, a few
made their way to Britain, and even fewer were imported to the United
States.
 American collector Guy Webster’s restored Formula 3 captures the full
stride of Ducati’s racing philosophy as expressed in a street motorcycle.
Formula 3s came equipped with a bump saddle seat, clip-ons, and number plates
ready for on-track application. Race functionality extended to the bike’s sand
cast aluminum engine cases, straight cut gears, megaphone exhaust, and scooped
Amadoro brakes. (Click image to enlarge)
 Uniting the worlds of street and track racing, the Formula 3
pre-figured the now-routine practice of incorporating high performance
components into street bikes. The Formula 3’s capabilities were validated
through numerous worldwide racing victories, and by infusing their street bikes
with race-proven technology, Ducati initiated a tradition that continues to this
day. (Click image to enlarge)
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