When Fabio Taglioni designed his 100cc Gran Sport Marianna back in 1954,
it was unlikely he expected this engine to have such a long and
lingering influence on Ducati design. Over the next 20 years, the single
was developed into myriad different types, in capacities up to 436cc,
and was the first production engine to utilise desmodromic valves.
Incorporating features that continue to this day, the overhead camshaft
single would become one of the most important designs in Ducati history.
Years of research have resulted in The Book of Ducati Overhead Camshaft
Singles - the first book to document in detail all the types of Ducati
overhead valve singles, making this book an invaluable resource to the
collector, restorer, and enthusiasts of these magnificent motorcycles.
Author Ian Falloon is one of the world's leading motorcycle historians.
He has written numerous motorcycle books, including the The Ducati 750
Bible, Ducati 900 Bible, Ducati Story, Moto Guzzi Story, Honda Story,
and Laverda Twin and Triple Bible. He has a small collection of classic
sporting motorcycles, including a Ducati 750 Super Sport, which he has
owned since 1976.