On March 20, 1970, Fabio Taglioni (September 10, 1920 – July 18, 2001) made the first sketches for the layout of a new Ducati V-twin engine.

Taglioni engaged Leopoldo Tartarini, the founder of Italjet, to refine the styling aspects of the new Ducati.

Director Arnaldo Milvio and General Manager Fredmano Spairani, were enthusiastic about racing, and had encouraged Fabio Taglioni to develop the 750 V twin.

In 1971 five 500 cc V-twins were built to compete in Italian championship and Grand Prix events.

[citation needed] All Ducati's 500 cc GP engines used desmodromic two-valve heads with an 80 degree included valve angle.

They used remote float bowl Dell'Orto 40 mm carburettors, and had a six-speed gearbox with a dry, multiplate clutch.

Also in June 1971, the first Ducati 750 GT models came out of the factory, distinguished by silver frames, metal-flake paint, fibreglass fuel tanks, 1 1/8" (1.125") Amal carburettors, and twin leading shoe rear brakes.

At least one machine from this initial run is thought to have arrived at the US importer, Berliner - another early machine (possibly the test mule - complete with Dunstall dual front discs on gaitered Norton forks) was pictured much earlier, on Vic Camp's display at the 1970-71 winter UK national motorcycle show.

A Seeley frame 750 cc had been tested by Mike Hailwood at Silverstone in August 1971 with a view to competing in F750.

Paul Smart, Bruno Spaggiari, Ermanno Giuliano, and Alan Dunscombe were secured as riders.