Ducati is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that traces its roots to 1926. Originally started as a radio manufacturing company, Ducati found itself building bicycle engines due to the economic conditions in post-WWII Italy. The company's new Cucciolo motor was purpose-built for a bicycle, but soon the company manufactured a wide range of motorcycle engines before building complete motorcycles. As time passed, Ducati motorcycles became more sophisticated by introducing the Desmodromic valve system and competing in Grand Prix racing. Soon after, greater engine capacities for future models paralleled with continued racing conceived storied models such as the; 750 GT, SS, and 900 SS, and famed racers Paul Smart and Mike Hailwood. Although ownership of Ducati has passed through various hands such as Cagiva and Volkswagen, the company has continued to build successful road and racing bikes such as the 916, while continuing to achieve great racing success.