The “Wind Tunnel” and the “Eight Cylinder”

Exactly halfway through the century, the famous Galletto was born, the first large diameter wheel scooter in history and forerunner of a concept which was to become extremely popular in much more recent times. Then in the lightweight motorcycle category came the Zigolo 98 followed by the Lodola 175, the last project personally designed by Carlo Guzzi in 1956.

The tendency to be ahead of the times can also be seen in the constant research into the best design and construction methods. In 1950, the first and only constructor in the world, Moto Guzzi built the first wind tunnel to test 1:1 scale prototypes, leading to development of the very first modern fairing.

With this new feature, the bikes exceeded 200 km/h and established their leadership in all races whether on track or road. The racing team was close knit and ingenious, with technicians such as Umberto Todero and Enrico Cantoni working side-by-side with a designer who was soon to become legendary.

Only a free thinker not afraid of dreaming could have thought of fitting a monumental and impressive eight cylinder 500 cc engine into the cramped frame of a motorcycle.

But Giulio Cesare Carcano obviously set no limits to his imagination and the Guzzi 500 Otto Cilindri (Eight Cylinders) became a reality, with its 80 hp and 285 km/h maximum speed. No/one would ever try and go down the road of such a large number of cylinders again, a clear demonstration of the unarguable technical superiority of Moto Guzzi.

The bike immediately demonstrated a strong personality and great temperament, winning its first track successes, and only the company's withdrawal from racing interrupted the potentially exceptional career of a unique bike.