Red frame 250 Mark 3 Narrowcase in the UK

[Bevel bob]

I am in conversation with another Mark3 owner who has a red frame bike , ( like mine) . I know that US Mark3 's were invariably black frame . I am interested in researching old adverts around 1967 to see if any red frame bikes were sold . When asked what my bike is my inclination is to say 250 Ducati Mach 3 , because as a short term replacement ( 1 year) for the Mach1, thats what it really is. The Mark3 designation is pretty much recognised as the later widecase bike with very different mechanics and styling . I found this out at my expense when trying to order parts from anywhere outside the UK where the Narrowcase Mark3 is not well known.

[Ventodue]

Bob, you probably know this already, but ...

On page 130 of his Overhead Camshaft book, Ian Falloon has a black and white photo of a Mark 3 with the following caption:
"After 1966, the Mark 3 replaced the Mach 1 outside the US. Still in Mach 1 colours .... <snip>"

That certainly implies that 1967 Mark 3s had red frames ...

(And yes, you do need to be careful with this "Mark 3" designation. But that's another story ... )

[Bevel bob]

Hi Ventodue, Thats the sort of thing I need. Mind you ,although I have some of Fallons books, I know that he is not always correct in his statements. I have some vintage publications comming to me, but as they are all from the US that may not be enough !!

[Ventodue]

1967, Bob, and Vic Camp would have been the UK concessionaire. So perhaps the way to go would be to look for any marketing stuff he was having published. But whether that would help in confirming that these bikes had red frames, who knows ?

(Unfortunately the only article from 1967 reprinted in the Brooklands Gold Portfolio series is for the Monza Junior.)

Seeing as the red framed Mach 1 was a European market bike, I wonder what was happening elsewhere - France, Italy, Germany, for example?

[Bevel bob]

Paul Smart and Reg Everett won the 250 class in 67 of the 24 hour race in Spain on a Vic Camp 67 Mark 3 and it had a very close registration number to my bike, I have often wondered if mine came in the same batch. I wonder if there are any colour photos of that race and the Ducati.

[Dave354]

Hopefully this extract from Mick Walkers book helps?

Merry Christmas to everyone….
Dave

[Bevel bob]

I did find a photo of the 67 Mark 3 Narrow case that won in the 24hr race , Taken I think after it was unloaded from the van on its return to Vic Camps shop. Its clearly a Mark 3 as its transfer is visible ( so not a Mach1 as stated in Mr Falloons book. ) . Does appear to have a red frame !!.

[Ventodue]

Ah! Good stuff, Bob!

[blethermaskite]

In the early 1970s I nearly bought a narrow case 250 mark3.......totally original condition and a one owner from new......It had a red frame and silver other bits as a Mach1.
Cheers,
George

[Bevel bob]

Hi George, And it could easily have been a brother to the bike that won its class in that race .