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
