The Saltarelli Ducati Collection with Phil Aynsley
One of the great things that happens in the course of wandering around taking photos is that you meet some really nice people. Two such people are Carlo Saltarelli and his good friend Gabrielle Moroni – a fellow photographer who has spent many an hour playing translator between Carlo and myself!
I was at the Ducati Museum in 2000 and noticed that there were a few small brochures on the reception desk that were about the “Saltarelli Collection” – whatever that was. Having some time to spare I made sure to call into Senigallia on the Adriatic coast and so found myself in the local Aprilia dealership.
Not seeing the correct flavour of V-twins or singles I asked the salesman “Ducati?” and was pointed towards the rear of the premises, where behind a wall was a sight that could hardly be believed!
Over 100 Ducatis were on display in a space that was about four times the size of the showroom out front. After making sure that photography was allowed I dove in, only to be interrupted after about 20 minutes by two gentlemen – Carlo and Gabrielle – who had been called by the salesman to say that some crazy “Englishman” was very busy with the Ducatis.
After quickly dispelling the notion that I was English, I established my Ducati credentials and Carlo was more than happy to let me continue. They invited me for dinner (not for the first time as it has turned out) and from that meeting we have been good friends.
Carlo was a test rider at Ducati during the ‘70s as well as a highly proficient racer and contemporary of Franco Uncini. He (and his brothers as silent partners) spent 30 years collecting over 110 Ducatis. These ranged from Cucciolos and 65s right through nearly all of the larger singles, bevel and belt V-twins, to Carlo’s race bikes and ex-factory race bikes.
The following images were taken in 2008 in the large warehouse the collection had been moved to. As can be seen it was a pretty amazing gathering of Ducatis!
A domestic version of the 1972 450 Mark 3, with optional single seat.
The line up of race bikes.
More parallel twins than you are ever likely to find in the one spot!
An impressive line up of bevel V-twins.
An ex-Bologna police bike.
An 1986 350 F3, built for the domestic market.
The prototype Troll Supertwin.
Another domestic model, the 350TL Pantah.
Some memorabilia from Carlo’s racing days.
However, after some health problems, and with none of his children showing any interest in motorcycling, it was decided to auction off the collection – which duly occurred in Monaco in 2012, attracting world-wide attention.
Carlo did hold on to a few favourites however, three of which can be seen in this final image (taken by Gabrielle) of Stefano Caracchi (black shirt), Franco Farné (with book), Carlo and myself and restaurant staff in Senigallia.
