The 1000 Sport utilizes the advantages of modern technological components within the framework of the classic styling borrowed from the tangerine yellow Ducati 750 Sport which the Italian manufacturer produced from 1973-1978.

For all its trick components probably the most memorable charasteric of the L.E. in our tester's mind was the simple yet comfortable seat.

The present incarnation of the Paul Smart Ducati does not mimic the hand-laid metalflake paint of the original due to changes in modern production techniques. Instead it sports the classic metallic silver seen here.

Part of the $3000 difference between the Paul Smart L.E. and the 1000 Sport is explained by the Ohlins rear shock, which teams up with Ohnlins components up front to provide an upgrade in suspension.

Ducati ran into trouble when they tried to replicate the Seagrass Green shade for L.E.'s frame. After five months of frustration, trying to match it to the original bike, Smart admitted the bike had been scratched in his shop so he had repainted the frame himself using Hillman Imp touch-up paint.

Part of the $3000 difference between the Paul Smart L.E. and the 1000 Sport is explained by the Ohlins rear shock, which teams up with Ohnlins components up front to provide an upgrade in suspension.

The Paul Smart 1000 LE mimics the original Duc ridden by Smart to victory in the inaugural Imola 200 in 1972, and in the process, kick-starting Ducati's drive toward racing success.

Two 320mm Brembo Goldline front discs with four-piston calipers provide the stopping power up front on the Paul Smart L.E.

One area in which the 1000 Sport parts ways with its nostalgic design is in the front suspension, opting for a very modern 43mm inverted Marzocchis fork. The Excel alloy-rimmed wire wheels, however, go out of their way to reproduce the original Ceriani look.

One area in which the 1000 Sport parts ways with its nostalgic design is in the front suspension, opting for a very modern 43mm inverted Marzocchis fork. The Excel alloy-rimmed wire wheels, however, go out of their way to reproduce the original Ceriani look.

The tail end of the 1000 Sport features the black dual exhaust and the back end configuration utilizing a retro-looking round tailight.

The much anticipated wait for the Ducati Classics is over. Soon, if you're lucky, you may see one of these retro Ducati beauties carving up road near you.

The 1000 Sport's aggressive riding position will tempt able and willing riders to throw it around their favorite curves, displaying the 1973-styled round tailights to jealous riding buddies.

Pirelli Phantom tires equip the wire wheels and copy the old Phantom tread, but with modern specifications.

It's attention to the finer details of the 1000 Sport that make it so unique. Details like the hand-polished fork caps and the 1973 authentic typography on the gauges.

Falling in line with everything also on the bike, the front end sports a retro look as well. And that black stripe through the tangerine yellow on the fuel tank... Please, it's irresistible.

The devil is in the details. Striving for an authentic retro feel, even the tach and speedo displays nestled behind the fairing play along sporting 1972-esque typography.