The Borgo Panigale brand wouldn't be where it is today without its Imola 750s, and one of those very legends has surfaced.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreDucati is ringing in its 100th birthday this year, and the Borgo Panigale manufacturer has spared no expense in its celebratory efforts.Between retro-inspired Formula 73 releases and lineup-wide livery tributes, the brand has orchestrated a comprehensive history lesson throughout 2026. Moreover, with carbon-clad Centenario V4s and single-cylinder supermotos, Ducati is also paving the way forward.The 1972 Imola 200 put Ducati on the map as a brand that was capable of going handlebar to handlebar with the best. - Credit: MecumHowever, without one legendary ancestor, many of these bikes likely wouldn't be here. In fact, the Ducati brand as we know it today might not even exist.Ducati's Imola mic dropI'm talking, of course, about the 750 racer that Ducati fielded to win the first-ever Imola 200. It's a bike that's an absolute legend in the annals of motorcycle lore, and the one pictured will cross the block at Mecum's Monterey auction next month. If you're a Duc fan, you can't miss it.This Imola racer is one of three to retain its original sandcast engine cases. - Credit: MecumBeyond making for the first-ever public sale of such a bike, the particular desmodromic twin in question amounted to a significant inflection point for Ducati. Up until that time, the brand was a niche outfit mostly specializing in small-bore singles, and it didn't get much attention outside of Italy.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs a result, Ducati needed a way to cement itself as a true 'big bike' manufacturer and guarantee its future. With the announcement of the Imola 200 in 1972, the brand decided that racing would be the best way to stay in business.Now, competitors of the day like MV Agusta, Honda and Norton all had works machines in abundance with established 750 platforms. As if that wasn't enough, they also brought dominant riders in legends like World Champion Giacomo Agostini.Still, even with underdog status and an unproven engine design in the Taglioni L-twin, Ducati pulled off an upset that catapulted it onto the global stage. Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari raced to a dominant 1-2 finish over 20 seconds ahead of third place, proving that Bologna was more than capable of mixing it up with the best. That stripe serves as a fuel gauge, letting riders know whether they're about to run out of gas, at a glance. - Credit: MecumRace-ready time capsuleThe example pictured here is one of seven 750s that Ducati brought to Imola as part of its historic 200 win back in 1972. That alone makes it a big deal, and it only gets better the more you dig into its history.That silver metalflake paint and unique green frame makes for a look that remains iconic today. - Credit: MecumFor starters, according to Ducati authority Ian Falloon's research, the bike was likely the backup for Paul Smart's victorious number 16 mount. Though it didn't enjoy the same fame on the track, it was later displayed alongside it at the Museo Ducati in Bologna, Italy. AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd for good reason. In keeping with its survivor status, this particular 750 Imola racer is one of only three to retain its sandcast L-twin engine case. As a result, Falloon ranks it among the most OG examples in existence today, second only to its race-winning sibling. Mind you, that's even with some work back in the 1990s. Despite being fitted with irreplaceable race-spec equipment and distinctive metalflake bodywork, the iconic Ducati racer underwent a careful restoration to preserve its competition pedigree.The cockpit was nothing if not spartan in its equipment. - Credit: MecumA first-ever opportunityAs previously mentioned, this 1972 Ducati 750 Imola racer will be the first-ever offered for public sale. It's set to cross the block next month as part of Mecum's August Monterey auction.1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer Learn More AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.