At a 2012 public auction, a rare and understated Laystall Ferrari 250 GTO shattered records by selling for a staggering $35 million, firmly establishing itself as the most expensive car ever traded on the market? Luxury automobiles boasting such an esteemed reputation often become coveted possessions, yet their exorbitant price tags render them inaccessible to all but a select few who can afford the luxury. A passionate Laystall 250 GTO enthusiast in the UK decided that, given they would never own the Ferrari themselves, they would instead opt for a motorcycle that paid tribute to their beloved Italian sports car. To give his dream car the due respect it deserved, he sought out the expertise of deBolex Bikes’ renowned south London workshop.
In 2021, Debolex unveiled its highly anticipated DB25 collection of premium bicycles, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. Built upon the robust foundation of the 147hp Ducati Monster 1200, each bike in the 25-version collection undergoes a comprehensive transformation, featuring extensive modifications and upgrades. According to Calum Pryce-Tidd, founder of deBolex Bikes, the company has successfully transformed an unconventional base into a sleek and stylish retro motorcycle with comprehensive bodywork. “We’ve redefined the essence of the Monster’s design and character.”
The De Bolex DB25 collection allows patrons to personalize a motorcycle to suit their individual tastes and preferences. “As Callum elaborates, in theory, there are no limits on extras or customizable options – our only constraint is what technology allows.” Upon completing the design course, we generate photorealistic renderings to visually depict the final product’s appearance, allowing us to effectively present it to the client for thorough discussion.
DB25 patrons are offered the option of customising their bike’s appearance by selecting from a range of paintwork options that extend beyond the standard colours to include schemes for the bodywork, frame, wheels, and forks. With this bespoke bicycle, the fourth in the highly exclusive DB25 series, its owner commissioned a unique design inspired by the iconic Laystall Ferrari 250 GTO. The bespoke team of deBolex meticulously crafted the carbon fibre gas tank cowl and carbon fibre fairings in a radiant meadow green hue, paying homage to the iconic UDT Laystall-sponsored British Racing Partnership 250 GTO. The Ducati is further enhanced by racing-style number panels in black and white, complemented by the same yellow utilised to signify a car eligible for the FIA GT World Championship, as seen on the driver’s door in the aforementioned image.
A nod to its iconic predecessor, the Laystall 250 GTO, is also given through the sleek, Ferrari-inspired black Alcantara trim adorning the sporty monoposto seat. To harmonize with the grey finish on the Ferrari’s wheels, the Monster’s titanium cerakote-coated swing arm and rear subframe perfectly complement the proprietor-chosen wheels, which match seamlessly.
Outside the specified color scheme, the owner of DB25 #4 selected a custom combination of high-performance components. Employing deBolex’s lightweight construction approach, the choice of Dymag UP7X wheels was a deliberate one. Within its range, these lightweight wheels stand out for being up to 40% lighter than standard inventory models, according to their declaration. The suspension is sourced from renowned UK consultant Maxton, boasting sleek black USD forks upfront and a full-adjustable RT10 monoshock at the rear, with its exterior reservoir adding a touch of sophistication. The Magura-supplied brake and clutch grip cylinders are combined using professional-grade Professional-Bolt fasteners, characteristic of high-performance builds. A titanium SC-undertaking silencer, paired with high-temperature Cerakote-coated headers, fulfills the client’s bespoke specifications.
Each deBolex DB25 build adheres to a tradition of meticulous craftsmanship, as every component – from the carbon fibre frame to the meticulously applied paintwork and sumptuous fabrics – is crafted in-house with unwavering attention to detail. The DB25 boasts an impressive array of custom-made parts, comprising over 100 unique components, in addition to 60 precisely cut sheet steel pieces and 22 intricate CNC-machined aluminum elements. The subframe is fabricated from lightweight aluminum, precision-machined utilizing computer numerical control (CNC) technology. Located beneath the carbon gas tank cowl is a specially designed polymer gas cell, engineered to withstand the corrosive effects of fuels, unlike traditional carbon fiber materials. The custom high-clamp is uniquely designed to accommodate the proprietary Monster TFT gauge with a dedicated mount, offering an unparalleled level of integration. Then there’s the headlight cowl. This innovative feature lends a racing aesthetic to the bike, yet can seamlessly be removed and stored in its own pouch for effortless transition from track to street riding duties.
Generally, high-end bicycles are relegated to storage, where they rarely experience the thrill of street riding. Fortunately, a Laystall Ferrari 250 GTO-inspired DB25 debunks the notion that such an endeavour would be misguided. The proprietor has already invested considerable time and experience in competitive riding, having participated in the prestigious Nice Malle Mountain Rally alongside Callum. “He successfully traversed over 2,000 miles of the Alps, covering six countries in just six days.”
While DB25 #4 won’t match the price tag of a Ferrari, it still exudes an undeniable allure, its unique character making it a truly rare and captivating find.
