Ancillotti Scarab: The Florentine Brand Now in the MISE Register

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The Ancillotti brand is renowned worldwide for the quality and aesthetics of its motorcycles and MTB bicycles for Cross and Enduro.

The long history of the brand, crowned by numerous victories, has allowed it to achieve yet another milestone: Ancillotti Scarab is the first bicycle and motorcycle brand admitted to the Special Register of Historical Brands of National Interest by the Ministry of Economic Development.

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Over 50 Years of Success

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In 2019, the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE) established the Special Register of Historical Brands of National Interest, which allows registered brands to use the logo depicting Italy.

Not all brands can be admitted to the register, as there is a fundamental requirement: to be considered historical, the brand must have been registered for at least 50 years with the same name.

Ancillotti Scarab fully meets this requirement, making it the first bicycle and motorcycle brand listed in the Special Register of Historical Brands of National Interest with registration number 128.

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Ancillotti: From Modifications to Motorcycle Manufacturing

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From the early 20th century, the Ancillotti family has shown a keen interest in mechanics.

It all started with Ernesto Ancillotti’s repair shop, from which he managed to pass on his passion to his son, Gualtiero.

In 1938, Gualtiero opened his own workshop in San Frediano, a well-known district in Florence. Unlike his father, he did not limit himself to repairs but focused on modifications, utilizing his great ingenuity.

Among the first modified motorcycles that made history were the Harley Davidson WLA models. By improving the suspensions, Gualtiero developed a modern shock absorption system that made vehicle handling safer and more comfortable.

Next were the Lambretta Innocenti models. Two modifications in particular brought great fame to the Ancillotti name: the Lambretta Ancillotti Special 200 c.c. and the Lambretta Ancillotti Super Sprint 250 c.c., which set world records at Monza and Elvington circuits, respectively.

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The Idea of the Brand: The Beetle of Florence

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The name and logo of Ancillotti Scarab both evoke the image of a beetle.

The idea of using a beetle came to Gualtiero in 1967 when he, along with his sons, tested the modified motorcycles along the avenues leading to the Cascina park in Florence.

Within the park stands a pyramidal building, the Ghiacciaia de’ Medici, built in 1796 by Manetti, a Florentine architect and biologist. The pyramid’s portal is topped with a bas-relief of a beetle with outspread wings.

The image, adapted and reworked by the Ancillotti family, became the emblem we recognize today.

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Ancillotti Scarab: Motorcycles and MTB Bicycles

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Between the 1960s and 1970s, Ancillotti Scarab motorcycles were among the most sought-after and desired by two-wheeler enthusiasts.

The initial models were based on modifications of the famous Beta Cross Special, but soon Gualtiero, seeing the significant interest in the Scarab, decided to stop modifications and become a motorcycle manufacturer.

In the 1990s, Ancillotti began producing MTB bicycles for Enduro and DownHill, keeping the same name: Ancillotti Scarab.

The Scarab EVO 29 HD, the latest prototype in the series, won first place in a World Championship this year.