From a press release issued by Ducati:

The enthusiasm and fascination expressed by the public from all over the world for these new Ducati concept bikes has convinced the Bologna company to schedule all three SportClassic models for production

DUCATI SPORTCLASSIC, A DREAM COME TRUE

Bologna, January 30, 2004 – On the heels of the remarkable public and media success that followed the presentation of the new SportClassic family of bikes at the Tokyo Motorshow, further acclaim has been arriving from all over the world. The three Ducati concept bikes have been presented at the most important world exhibitions, captivating attention and meeting with widespread approval from the public.

This positive impact was also backed up by Internet statistics (on www.ducati.com official site), with more than 310,000 pageviews testifying to the enormous interest in this new Ducati machine. The website was also utilised to canvass more than 16,000 questionnaires in which visitors were asked to provide feedback and show their preferences in relation to the three models. In addition, endless free discussions about the new machines could be followed in forums on top international motorcycle sites, plus emails and a host of other positive input confirming the huge level of interest generated by the new products.

Ducati, which has always made a point of sharing its commercial and sporting strategies with customers and fans, could hardly remain indifferent to such a tangible display of enthusiasm, so it comes as no surprise that the Italian makers have decided to set up a production programme for all three SportClassic models, bringing dreams to life yet again.

The first bike to roll off the production lines will be the magnificent and exclusive “Paul Smart”, which will be in the showrooms from November 2005. This machine will be initially produced in a limited edition of one thousand in the original livery of the bike that inspired this model, i.e. the legendary “750 Imola Racer” with which Paul Smart won the historic Imola race in 1972. This initial limited edition series will feature top level components (including Öhlins rear shock absorber and front forks).

Subsequently the “Sport 1000” will enter production starting from March 2006; handsome, original, fascinating, and keenly aggressive, this bike has all it takes to become a cult icon and trendsetter. A muscular Café Racer style distinguished by the unmistakeable Ducati bright yellow colours. Timeless beauty coupled with all the performance that true enthusiasts have come to expect.

And just six months after this initial launch customers will be able to purchase the “GT 1000”, scheduled to enter production in September 2006. The new GT 1000 is the perfect expression of a long tradition of stylistic elegance and top-level components, with the ease of handling associated with modern machines.

For the present, since it is not possible to determine the exact industrialisation costs on such a long-term basis, we have established price ranges for each model:

Paul Smart 14-15,000E 9-10,000£ 14-16,000$ 1,700-1,900,000Yen

Sport 1000 11-12,000E 7500-8500£ 11-13,000$ 1,500-1,700,000Yen

GT 1000 10-11,000 E 7-8000£ 10-12,000$ 1,300-1,500,000Yen

For those who decide to realise their dreams, orders for the bikes will be accepted from 1 March up to 1 September of this year at a guaranteed sale price of 14,000 Euro for the Paul Smart, 11,000 Euro for the Sport 1000, and 10,000 Euro for the GT1000.

Deliveries will strictly reflect production schedules.

In the words of Ducati Chairman and Managing Director Federico Minoli “I’m delighted with the success that this bike is encountering. The three SportClassic machines we are presenting today represent a compendium of the unbeatable technology that has become a Ducati hallmark over the years, plus the innate Ducati style of timeless beauty.”

“Once again, in the light of the positive feedback we have received from Ducati enthusiasts from all over the world, we have decided to make our dreams a reality.”

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won eleven of the last thirteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com.