Ducati harks back to 90s with retro Panigale V4 25°Anniversario 916

Following this week’s teaser shots, Ducati has officially pulled the wraps off its special edition Panigale V4 25°Anniversario 916 during a ceremony at Pebble Beach in California. 

A quarter of a century has passed since the pioneering Ducati 916 made huge waves in the Superbike market both on and off the track. Considered a classic of its era, the 916’s dynamic appearance and innovative packaging represents the origin story for today’s similarly acclaimed Panigale V4.

Limited to a 500-model production run to ensure exclusivity, the evocatively-titled Ducati Panigale V4 25°Anniversario 916 received its world premiere at the famous Pebble Beach on the same weekend Ducati’s factory Aruba.it Racing team competes at Lagua Seca just 15 miles away.

Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty, who rode the 916 to huge success during the 1990s, was on hand to do the honours, the legendary racer unveiling the Panigale’s familiar and attractive silhouette finished off with the retro-modern decals that hark back to the look of the 916s that clinched four world titles in total.

Despite the 90’s throwbacks on the surface, this remains very much a Panigale through-and-through, albeit one with a series of tweaks to reflect the racy exterior, including magnesium wheels, a titanium type-approved Akrapovič exhaust and what Ducati calls a ‘long list of Performance components.

In a poignant gesture, Ducati also revealed it would be auctioning a special Panigale 916 wearing ‘Number 5’ in honour of the late Carlin Dunne.. The rider tragically lost his life in an accident whilst competing as an official Ducati factory rider in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb last month. All proceeds from the auction will go towards  fundraising efforts in his memory.

"In all of modern motorcycling history, no bike has been as era-defining as the 916, both in terms of design and performance. I'm incredibly proud to present this exclusive version of our Panigale V4, itself a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 916." stated Francesco Milicia.

"We've decided to present the bike together with none other than "King" Carl Fogarty himself. Presenting it on the American Superbike stage underscores our dedication to the US market, where bike enthusiasts and collectors alike will, I am sure, appreciate the uniqueness of the Panigale V4 25° Anniversary 916."

 

"I’m thrilled to be here at this event," stated Carl Fogarty after riding the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 onto the stage at Pebble Beach. "The Ducati 916 gave me some fantastic, unforgettable moments. It played a starring role in my career and in the history of the World Superbike Championship. 

“On the wider motorcycling scene, it set a whole new standard of style and performance. I’m proud to have played a pivotal role in that success story, and equally proud to be here today and celebrate this important anniversary by officially unveiling this breath-taking bike."

With only 500 set to ever exist – and 1 of those clearly being added to Foggy’s personal collection – the Ducati Panigale V4 25°Anniversario 916 is certainly set to become one of the rarer V4’s out there. 

If you are lucky enough to be one of them, prepare to for a 41,000EUR (£37,500 approx) dent in your bank account.