Benelli wasn?t the first motorcycle manufacturer in Italy, but it?s the oldest Italian brand that still makes motorcycles, though its production history had some interruptions. As was the case in the United States, there were scores of upstart motorcycle manufacturers in Italy in the early decades of the 20th century, but only a handful survived. Join us for a 111-year walk down the annals of Italian motorcycle history.

The Benelli Early Years: 1911-1937

The Benelli brothers, left to right: Antonino, Francesco, Giovanni, Giuseppe, Fillipo, and Dome-nico. Their mother, the widow Signora Teresa Benelli, invested her late husband?s estate into their fledging motorcycle concern. Photo courtesy of Benelli.

In 1911, the six Benelli brothers opened their first shop in Pesaro, Italy. The Benelli Garage serviced and repaired bicycles and motorcycles, made spare parts for both, and within a few years set to work on their own engine design. A 75cc 2-stroke Single debuted in 1920, and their first complete motorcycle followed a year later.
In 1927, Benelli introduced a 175cc 4-stroke Single with what would become the company?s characteristic ?cascade?-type overhead-cam system. Designed by the eldest brother, Giuseppe, the gear-driven OHC engine powered the youngest brother, Antonino, to four national championships in the Italian long-distance roadraces.

By 1931, the road models were selling well, and the widow Signora Teresa Benelli believed that investing most of her late...