Do You Know the History of Moto Guzzi?

Moto Guzzi is the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe that has maintained uninterrupted production since its beginnings in 1921. It is a company that has something many other brands lack and that is difficult to explain rationally: soul.

Let’s start from the beginning. Moto Guzzi was founded in Genoa in 1921 by shipowner Emanuele Vittorio Parodi, his son and military pilot Giorgio, and the mechanic Carlo Guzzi. At first, Emanuele was not entirely convinced by the business idea, but after showing the prototype to some friends and hearing the first comment — “If you don’t do it, I will” — his doubts disappeared.

The iconic eagle logo with outstretched wings was designed as a tribute to their friend and former comrade Giovanni Ravelli. He was part of the Miraglia Squadron of the Italian Royal Air Force and died shortly before the foundation of Moto Guzzi during a test flight. Ravelli had been involved in the original idea of creating a motorcycle company. His role would have been to promote the brand, as he was both a famous aviator and a motorcycle racing rider.

In 1963, just after the death of founder Carlo Guzzi, the motorcycle market faced a major crisis and the company entered a period of financial difficulty. Moto Guzzi came under the ownership of SEIMM, a state-controlled entity. In 1965 and 1971, an engine and a chassis were developed that would become symbols of Moto Guzzi. Engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano designed the legendary 90° air-cooled V-twin engine, and Lino Tonti created the famous frame of the V7 Sport 750 cc in 1971.

In 1973, Alejandro De Tomaso, an Argentine businessman and owner of Benelli, acquired Moto Guzzi. Although his management was controversial, several iconic motorcycles were launched during this era: the 850 Le Mans, the 750 S and the 750 S3, equipped with a three-disc braking system.

In the year 2000, motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia, led by Ivano Beggio, acquired Moto Guzzi. Beggio declared that leading such an iconic brand was the dream of his life. Unfortunately, only a few years later Aprilia suffered serious financial difficulties, and in 2004 Piaggio took over ownership — and still owns the brand today.

Over the years, the V-twin engine continued to evolve and remains the foundation of Moto Guzzi production to this day.

As for its earliest racing achievements, Moto Guzzi can proudly claim victory at the Isle of Man TT twice: in 1935 with rider Stanley Woods and in 1937 with Omobono Tenni, the first non-British rider ever to win a Tourist Trophy. In 1957, Moto Guzzi withdrew from competition with an extraordinary record of 3,329 victories in official races, 8 World Championships, 6 Constructors' Cups and 11 Isle of Man wins.