Ducati is not renowned for making practical vehicles, with the possible exception of the Multistrada. But in the 1950s, the Bologna company aped its rival Piaggio by making three-wheeled utility vehicles.
There was a tiny 48cc 2-stroke called the Fattorino, and then the bigger Muletto. The engines were based on Ducati’s OHC singles, and you could choose from a 175 or a 200 (as shown here). You got a 350 kg carrying capacity and a top speed of around 60 kph, and different coachwork was available with open and enclosed cabs. The red stripe, by the way, was a legal requirement in Italy.
It meant that the Ducati Muletto was trasporto conto terzi—registered to transport goods belonging to third parties. Over half a century later, the Muletto stills looks stylish and practical—and if this one was mine, I’d be tempted to drop in a 696 Desmo motor. That might cut down delivery times a little.
Images courtesy of Phil Aynsley. His book Ducati: A Photographic Tribute is available from Amazon.
