Ducati (Italy) - AllCarIndex

Ducati Meccanica SpA was an Italian company based in Bologna, primarily known for its production of motorcycles. Founded in the early 20th century, Ducati initially focused on manufacturing radio components before transitioning to motorcycles in the 1950s.

In 1958, during a period of declining motorcycle sales, the Ducati brothers ventured into automobile development by creating a four-wheeled prototype known as the Baptiste DU4. This prototype was designed as a four-seater saloon and was notable for its innovative engineering, featuring a four-stroke V4 engine available in two variants: a 250cc version producing 16 bhp and a 350cc version generating 18 bhp. The DU4 was designed to drive the front wheels, showcasing Ducati's engineering capabilities.

Despite the potential of the DU4, the company struggled to find an international partner to assist in the production of the vehicle. As a result, the Baptiste DU4 remained a prototype and was never mass-produced, marking a brief and unfulfilled foray into the automotive industry for Ducati. The company's focus ultimately returned to motorcycles, where it established a strong reputation in the market.