Benelli: a summary from the 70s to the recent period [VIDEO]

The history of the brand Benelli, from the 70s to the present day, is the subject of the fourth video in a series curated by Benelli Historical Register, as reported.

The most recent events

In the video proposed on the Facebook page linked to Benelli, we talk about the path and the most recent moments. It starts with the acquisition in 1971 by the industrialist Alejandro De Tomaso and by Tornado, the flagship model of production in those years. A model visible in the film and remembered on the occasion. An example powered by a 650 cc two-cylinder four-stroke unit, but in that same period the Japanese proposal was also quite cutting-edge and competitive.
However, a magical period from a sporting point of view, considering the results of the Finnish driver Jarno Saarinen in 1972 on 500 and 350 racing models, in the same years as the legendary Giacomo Agostini, before retiring from competitions. In that same year Benelli's internal strategy also changed, with the introduction of 125 cc and 250 cc two-stroke twin-cylinder models aimed primarily at a young audience. So in the 1974 a motorcycle with a 500 cc four-cylinder unit was also introduced, which raised some criticism as recalled. Despite this, a more powerful six-cylinder engine was also developed and the first historic six-cylinder motorcycle in the world was created. As interesting as the bike powered by a 250 cc four-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Also in this case the first example of this kind created in the world for road use. And then again in the second part of the 70s, other 350 cc, 650 cc and even 900 cc models still with six cylinders were developed.
The story becomes rich in anecdotes and insights with a difficult period during these years. We move on to 1991, when the Pesaro entrepreneur Giancarlo Selci, a former employee of Benelli itself in the 50s, took over. Production was focused on mopeds for five years, as mentioned, leaving aside the small, medium and large displacement motorcycle sector. Then again in 1996 the passage under the leadership of Andrea Merloni, linked to the Fabriano Group, producer of household appliances. New scooter and motorcycle projects were born, including a sporty Tornado 900 cc with a three-cylinder engine and introduced in 2000 at the famous Tourist Trophy, celebrating the anniversary of Dario Ambrosini's historic success in the 250 class. An example also used in competitions.
In 2005, then, the sale to the Chinese QJ Group And the more recent period, with the introduction of a varied range of models, ranging from the versatile TRK to the Leoncino family, as mentioned.

Photos and Video: Benelli