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GILERA

22 entries

Italian motorcycle maker founded in Arcore in 1909, a post-war Grand Prix winner and part of Piaggio since 1969.

Founded: 1909, by Giuseppe Gilera
Base: Arcore, near Milan
Owner: Piaggio, since 1969
Racing: Six 500 cc world championships in eight years

Giuseppe Gilera founded his motorcycle company in 1909 near Milan, and the factory later moved to Arcore, close to the Monza circuit. Racing was a focus for the brand from its earliest years.

After the Second World War Gilera dominated Grand Prix racing, winning the 500 cc world championship six times in eight years before the Italian makers withdrew at the end of 1957. Piaggio bought the company in 1969, and the Arcore factory closed in 1993.

1909Gilera founded by Giuseppe Gilera
1935Rights to the CNA Rondine racing engine acquired
1957Gilera withdraws from Grand Prix racing
1969Purchased by Piaggio
1993Arcore factory closed