Two-wheeled restomod? Yes, please. Obsessive bike builder brothers Bujar and Gazmend Muharremi of Auto Fabrica in Southend on Sea have let their imaginations run riot. The result: this sculptural take on Ducati’s go-anywhere-fast Ducati 1100 Scrambler. With the form-follows-function transparency that runs through all their work, Auto Fabrica have called this reinvented Ducati the Type 23. We call it essential for your motorcycle collection and here’s why.
Take a look. This is their first Ducati. The 1100 Scrambler is a hugely capable on- and off-roader but even its best friends wouldn’t suggest it belongs anywhere but on road. Wheras the Type 23 with its long aerodynamic tail and suggestion of almost feline energy, would be more than happy alongside pieces from Rodin to Damien Hirst.
Art or bike?
Key to the look is Auto Fabrica’s aerodynamic seat cover. It protects the bespoke fine suede saddle when the bike is idle. The brothers Muharremi say it "blends ergonomic functionality with artistic expression”, which pretty much sums up their approach to this build, which has taken many hours of hand crafting.
While the description is of an avant garde machine, it’s not just eye-catching looks to attract the attention of art critics. Aerospace quality aluminium combines with carbon fibre in the build to result in a very light weight. Together with a neat 5% increase in engine power due to custom upgrades this should result in a handy increase in performance. Idea, say Auto Fabrica, is that the Type 23 will be “thrilling to ride”, "pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible in modern motorcycle engineering”.
Auto Fabric Type 23: The finer points
Technical detailing is only of the finest. Even the mud guards are worth a detailed look: hand made from carbon fibre. Exhaust is its own sculpture in sinuously curved titanium. Wheels are 17 inch carbon fibre complex spoked designs by the specialists at Rotobox, equipped with high performance Pirelli Supercorsa tyres. Ohlins have taken care of the custom suspension. Brakes are by Brembo, with steel braided lines. Full LED lights mean they’ll see you coming.
Want a Type 23? We’d think it’s ideal for that Sunday morning breakfast run to somewhere stylish, where sculpture is appreciated. Paris perhaps? Every Ducati is designed for touring, and any French gallery will surely throw open their doors to put your Type 23 - saddle cover in place - on exhibition while you repair to a pavement cafe for an essential espresso. Auto Fabrica say they are making 23 editions of their Type 23, with the asking price to include display plinth and a bespoke helmet. Price is strictly on application, but we’d suggest having at least £100,000 handy before making that call. Paris, here we come.
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