The Moto Guzzi Open House days in Mandello del Lario have been much more than a simple celebration of the 104th Anniversary of an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. As many of the thousands of visitors would no doubt testify, the event has indeed been a global celebration of motorcycling passion, a movable feast on two wheels.
For four exciting days, from the11th to the 14th of September, the town of Mandello del Lario and its enchanting narrow roads and squares facing the placid Lake Como were filled with motorcycles (mainly Guzzi’s, of course, but not only!) and cultural events at every corner. For over a century, the city and the motorcycle factory are one single entity, impossible to split. Walking the streets it’s not surprising to see a baker proudly showing a “Guzzino” at the window, or a jewelry showing an engine alongside with necklaces and rings. A real community festival, lived up by the unbridled joy of sharing a common passion. The silence of the lake, which inspired the Italian literary masterpiece The Betrothed, got interrupted by the harmonious roar of the V engines, but also by the music of countless rock bands, fashion parades and live shows filling the area.
The FIVA Motorcycle Commission could not miss such an event. Its director, Keith Gibbins, rode all the way from London on his 1994 Moto Guzzi California to lead the meeting — and, of course, to capture the traditional photo of his bike at the iconic red gate, a ritual that visitors from around the world observe without fail. The gathering took place in the City Hall, with a warm welcome from the Mayor, Riccardo Fasoli, a Galletto owner himself. During the meeting, several topics were addressed, and in particular the promotion of the FIVA “Classic Bike - Ride don’t Hide” initiative, which, year after year, gains increasing momentum and whose pins are distributed to participants at classic motorcycle events all over the world.
Another key topic was the cooperation with the FIM (the International Federation for Motorcycles) and the synergy to defend the rights of the two wheels’ lovers globally. The FIVA group had also the privilege of a guided tour of the Moto Guzzi Museum, having on display all the models produced by the factory, including the 1919 Guzzi Parodi motorbike, the first one ever produced, and the famous 1955 ”8 Cilindri”, a technologic masterpiece that never fails to get enthusiasts hearts beating.
FIVA was prominently represented with a dedicated booth, alongside its Italian representative ASI, Automotoclub Storico Italiano, right in the heart of the event and close to the museum premises. Like a beautiful row of rubies, red Moto Guzzi’s were lined up together, highlighted by a number of outstanding models of the history of the company such as the 1922 “Normale”, the oldest model on display, the 1927 C2V, as well as a 1939 “Condor” later modified into a racer “Dondolino”, in 1950. There even was a rare automobile prototype, designed by the racer Cavanna in 1951 for hill climb races and featuring a e 500cc motorcycle bi-cylindrical engine. During the four days of the event, hundreds of people stopped by the ASI and FIVA booth to request information about certifications, restorations and other matters related to historical vehicles, receiving clear indications and promotional material.
The history of Moto Guzzi is no doubt a story of industrial success, but the charm of it is that it is also a history of friendship and camaraderie, with three young men in the Royal Italian Air Navy Force during the WWI, sharing a dream. Their names were Carlo Guzzi, the technical mind, and Giorgio Parodi, who funded the enterprise; the third one, Giovanni Ravelli, died in a tragic plane crash, and the eagle, the symbol of the company, was meant to cherish his memory. The ASI FIVA stand had the honour of hosting a conference with key figures that have been part of the history of the company and in particular Silvio Manicardi, Antonio Maria Frigerio and Giuseppe Todero, son of the engineer Umberto Todero. As they spoke, one could see in their eyes a sincere and deep affection for the company, as if they were talking about family.
The 2026 edition will mark a milestone for Moto Guzzi, with the inauguration of a new plant in Mandello del Lario symbolizing a fresh start for the company. Building on the international character and the success of this year’s event, FIVA’s Motorcycle Commission also plans to be present.
Keith Gibbins stated it best when he pointed out that “it was a real honour to hold our meeting in such a centre of passion. In particular, we would like to express our gratitude to Luigi Frigerio, who was leading with three hats on: his club, the Valtellina Classic Car Club, ASI and FIVA. His organisational skills were outstanding. Plus, of course, the ever enthusiastic Palmino Poli, without whom, no historic motorcycle event in Italy is complete!”
Text and pictures: Gian Mario Mollar
