Moto Guzzi – GP Guzzi Parodi – very first Guzzi - 1919 - motorcycle racing photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of the famous
1919 500cc “ Guzzi Parodi “ motorcycle prototype
that marked the start of the famous
Moto Guzzi
factory 2 years later, in
1921
.
This machine marked the
start
of the rich
Moto Guzzi history
.
During World War I, three motorcycle friends met up in the Italian Airforce.
They all had ideas about the perfect motorcycle, which was not on the market yet in their opinion.
So they decided to build it themselves.
Carlo Guzzi
was the designer,
Giorgio Parodi
the financial backer, and Pre WWI road racer
Giovanni Ravelli
would be the one to put the bike to the test on the track.
Unfortunately he died in a plane crash, a few days after WWI ended.
It is in his honour that up until the day of today Moto Guzzi has an eagle in their official logo, as it was the symbol of the Aiforce unit they were employed.
The two friends still pushed ahead with their plan, and in
1919
the bike was ready.
It was baptized “
GP
“, meaning “
Guzzi Parodi
“.
The father of Giorgio Parodi was a rich shipbroker.
He had the prototype examined by various Italian technologic experts, without any exception important figureheads in the industry.
They all were very positive which was no wonder as the motorcycle was extremely advanced for its day.
The horizontal single featured 4 overhead valves which were operated by a bevel driven single overhead camshaft.
The machine delivered more power then most twins double its size.
The fact that the engine was designed in unit was also a novelty.
The chassis was as modern as its engine.
Especially the rear was rather special, as the rear chassis doubled partly as mudguard.
These light weight sheet metal construction parts continued under the engine, making the frame as light was it was stiff.
This machine eventually stood on the base of the first ever true racing machine that Guzzi brought out in 1924.
This machine, the
C 4V
, immediately won in the hands of racing ace
Guido Mentasti
the first ever
European Championship
in
1924
, and it would dominate the European races it participated in for years to come.
But that was already quite some years away from 1919, the year the GP prototype was made.
Obviously Giorgio Parodi’s father liked the result, as in
March 1921
the Moto Guzzi factory was officially founded.
The name GP was not used any more, as it could be confused with Giorgio Parodi’s initials.
It is a rare image.
Today the bike is on display in the Guzzi factory museum in Mandello del Lario, the hometown of Moto Guzzi.
So, this is your rare chance to own this
non period
photo that reflects a very interesting and highly historic piece of Moto Guzzi and motorcycling history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 6" x 11.8" (ca. 15 x
30 cm
).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.