Moto Guzzi: the centenary of a story that began on 15 March 1921

One hundred years. For Moto Guzzi a century has passed since 15 March 1921. A period of sporting emotions and constructive innovation, keeping in mind a strong tradition. Moto Guzzi remembers this milestone and recalls a journey, some of the most iconic models, the successes, the same names linked to the eagle with spread wings brand. Another important crossing point in his interesting journey.

A long story

It all started on March 15, 1921 “Moto Guzzi Anonymous Company” oriented: “The manufacture and sale of motorcycles and any other activity pertaining or connected to the metalworking industry”. The symbol of the eagle with spread wings was chosen by Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi also to remember their friend in arms Giovanni Ravelli. The three had been part of the Air Service of the Royal Navy and right there they had thought that, once the war was over, they would dedicate themselves to the development of motorcycles. Unfortunately Ravelli disappeared in 1919 during a test flight and to remember him the other two opted for the symbol of the aerial weapon. A logo that has become legendary over time.
The journey began in the historic operational headquarters of Mandello del Lario and still continues there. From here came models like the GT 500 Norge of 1928 which reached the Arctic Circle led by Giuseppe Guzzi, the founder's brother; therefore theHeron 250 of 1939 and the legendary cockerel from 1950, a very popular model in the post-war period. In the same period, a wind tunnel was also built, a futuristic concept for the time and the first in the world in the motorcycle sector. It can still be visited today. A choice made by the team of technicians in which great names such as Umberto Todero, Enrico Cantoni and the legendary Milanese designer Giulio Cesare Carcano worked, who conceived the thruster Eight Cylinders capable of reaching 285 km/h way back in 1955 and the prototypes which between 1935 and 1957 allowed the conquest of 14 world speed titles and 11 Tourist Trophies.
Also interesting is the subsequent production in the 60s, following the Stornello and Dingo light motorcycles, the 90 cc 700° V-twin engine with shaft final transmission was developed. An engine that has become an emblem of the production itself over the years, linked to examples such as V7 special, V7 Sports, California e Le Mans. A constantly evolved engine, now 850 cc in its regulatory compliant configuration Euro 5, with matching electronic controls considering the most recent ones V7 e V9, In addition to V85 TT, the brand's classic enduro.

A centenary to remember

Moto Guzzi is one of the companies that today is part of Piaggio Group, the leading European manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters. An identity with strong values ​​linked to tradition and a propensity for innovation, noting its production. The sporting side is not missing, remembering the Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy with European significance from this year.
The hundred years are remembered on the occasion with a special Centenary Livery linked to some models in the range and created in an exclusive edition only for this 2021, drawing inspiration from the legendary "Eight Cylinders". Furthermore from 9 al September 12th are expected GMG - Moto Guzzi World Days in Mandello del Lario, the culmination of this anniversary. An appointment proposed again ten years after the last event and possible with the collaboration between Moto Guzzi, the International Motorcycle Rally Committee and the municipality of Mandello del Lario.

Photo: Moto Guzzi