MV Agusta: an Italian brand known for its road racing successes

MV Agusta, in full Meccanica Verghera Agusta S.p.A., is an iconic Italian brand known worldwide for its high-quality motorbikes. Based in Gallarate, the company has a rich and fascinating history dating back to aviation.

Originally, MV Agusta was a manufacturer of aircraft and helicopters. Led by Count Domenico Agusta, the company decided to switch to motorbikes in 1945, a decision that would eventually change the motorbike world. From 1948, MV Agusta focused mainly on road racing, a field in which the brand achieved unprecedented successes. Besides its legendary racing bikes, the company also produced street models and even scooters.

MV Agusta had introduced their first production scooter at the Milan trade fair in 1949. The new machine, with the model "B", used similar construction principles as the rival Vespa with a monocoque, pressed-steel bodywork housing the 125cc two-stroke engine. This machine was followed in 1950 by the Model C or CSL, which stands for "C" Super Lusso. The new machine used a tubular frame with a pressed-steel bodywork. The bodywork contained a duct that directed air to the engine to aid cooling. The CSL had fancy handlebars that incorporated a gear indicator with lights. A second scooter was introduced in 1950, derived from the CSL with which it shared the frame, front bodywork and engine. The new model was initially known as the Popolare and then Normale before MV finally settled for "C" GT, which stands for "C" Gran Turismo as its title. Intended as a more affordable alternative to the CSL, the CGT omitted the rear bodywork for cost reasons and replaced it with a fuel tank and trunk, offering it for 175,000 lira.

However, after the death of Domenico Agusta in the early 1970s, a difficult period heralded for the company. In 1977, MV Agusta stopped producing motorbikes completely and focused entirely on its aviation activities, especially the production of helicopters.

However, the MV Agusta name lived on. The brand was revived when Cagiva took control of it, while the legendary racing bikes ended up in the caring hands of American Team Obsolete. Today, MV Agusta is a symbol of Italian passion, craftsmanship and innovation, with a legacy that continues to be celebrated in the motorbike world.