Brunelli Guzzi Collection Museum: a journey through the history of Italian motorcycling

Born from the profound passion of Elio Brunelli, former President of the National Motorcycle Events Commission of ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano), the Brunelli Guzzi Collection Museum in Forlimpopoli is a tribute to the history of the motorcycle and to two key figures in classic motorcycling: mechanic Vero Tumidei and international expert Augusto Farneti.

Across a 650-square-metre exhibition space, visitors are transported back in time. The collection is not just a sequence of vehicles, but a genuine period reconstruction, enriched with advertisements, accessories, historical documents, and glimpses of life in the Romagna region, such as the historic Osteria della Cumona and Tumidei's workshop. Every model has been meticulously restored and ASI-certified, bearing witness to a golden era of Italian engineering and design.

The heart of the Collection: Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi represents the soul of the museum, with over 70 models spanning the period from 1930 to 1970. The collection documents the technical and stylistic evolution of the Mandello del Lario-based manufacturer, showcasing not only the models that put Italy on wheels but also rare pieces and special versions. Each motorcycle is accompanied by a technical data sheet detailing its history and features.

Among the most significant models on display, you can admire:

• The 1930s: Iconic pieces such as the Sport 14 500cc (1930), the Sport 15 500cc with a Tittarelli Sidecar (1931), the GT 16 500cc (1931), and agile 250cc bikes like the P 175cc (1933) and the Egretta (1939).
• The War Period: Models that served the state and the armed forces, including the impressive Alce 500cc (1943) used by the Royal Italian Navy.
• Post-War and Reconstruction: The motorcycles that got the country moving again, symbols of an Italy that was restarting with ingenuity and style.

Sporting elegance: Gilera

Alongside Guzzi, the museum dedicates significant space to another historic brand that shaped the history of two-wheeled transport: Gilera. The Arcore-based manufacturer is represented by models that embody its sporting spirit and reliability. The collection allows visitors to appreciate the build quality and technical innovations that made Gilera famous worldwide.

Among the Gilera models in the Brunelli collection, we find:

• Gilera VLE 500cc with Bonomi Sidecar (1938): A magnificent example of a motorcycle with a sidecar, a symbol of travel and adventure from another era.
• Gilera Saturno 500cc (1947): One of the most celebrated and high-performance post-war motorcycles, a true status symbol for enthusiasts.
• Gilera Nettuno 250cc (1949): A sporty and versatile model that contributed to the brand's success in the medium-displacement class.

The milanese tradition: Bianchi

Bianchi, one of the oldest and most prestigious Italian brands, holds a place of honour within the collection. Although there is no detailed list of the models on display, its presence testifies to the importance of a manufacturer that ranged from bicycles to cars, leaving an indelible mark on the motorcycle industry with models that were cutting-edge in design and engineering. The dedicated section helps one understand Bianchi's role in the evolution of national motorcycling.

The collection's other gems

The museum celebrates motorcycling in its entirety, hosting models from other brands that helped create the legend of the Motor Valley and beyond.

• Ducati: Thanks to the contribution of his friend Fausto Bazzocchi, a significant selection of Ducati models is present, tracing the company's early decades. These include the 65cc Sport (1952), the 98cc N (1953), the elegant Elite 200cc (1960), and the famous 250, 350, and 450cc Scramblers from the 1970s.
• Lambretta: An entire room is dedicated to the legendary scooter from Lambrate, the historic rival of the Vespa, displaying numerous models that narrate its evolution and success as a cultural phenomenon.
• Other Italian and Foreign Brands: The collection is enhanced by rare pieces such as the Moto Morini Turismo 125cc (1956) and by foreign brands that influenced the market of the era, like the British Norton 16H 500cc (1938).