Moto Guzzi are the oldest European motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production and are now owned by the Piaggio group, Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. Guzzi was established in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, Italy and has a number of firsts under its belt including the first motorcycle wind tunnel and the first eight-cylinder motorcycle engine. In 1967 a state controlled receiver took ownership of Moto Guzzi and it was during this time that the 90° V twin engine, designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano, which would become iconic of Moto Guzzi, was produced. In 1973, De Tomaso Industries purchased the state controlled receiver, and therefore Moto Guzzi, along with Benelli and Maserati. Under Tomaso’s leadership the company returned to profitability and in 2000 Aprilia bought the brand for $65 million. The less said about this period the better and in 2004, and to this day, Moto Guzzi is owned by the Piaggio group.
