Ancillotti Scarab: The No. 1 Motorcycle and Bicycle Brand in the Special Register of Historic Trademarks

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Ancillotti has made history in the world of Italian-made motorcycles and MTB bikes for Enduro, Cross, and Off-road. For over fifty years, Ancillotti's creations have been not only beautiful and high-performing but also successful in every aspect. Now, a new victory has been added to its legacy: Ancillotti Scarab is the first motorcycle and bicycle brand to be registered in the Special Register of Historic Trademarks of National Interest by the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE).

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The Special Register of Historic Trademarks of National Interest by MISE

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On April 30, 2019, the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE) established the Special Register of Historic Trademarks of National Interest. This register lists trademarks that have been registered and operating within the national territory for a minimum of 50 years under the same name.

Thanks to its long history, the Ancillotti Scarab brand has been included in the register with the number 128. It is also the first motorcycle and bicycle brand to be added to the list.​

This important recognition now allows Ancillotti to use the MISE logo, depicting Italy with the title "Historic Trademark of National Interest."

Historic brands can join the Italian Association of Historic Trademarks, which counts among its founding members illustrious names such as Benetton, Cirio, Inghirami, and Antinori.

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Ancillotti: The Birth of the Brand

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In 1938, Gualtiero Ancillotti decided to open Ancillotti Elaborazioni Specialità Moto, the first step in what would become, over time, a historically significant name in Enduro, Cross, and Off-road motorcycles and later in Downhill and Freeride MTB bikes.

Gualtiero inherited his passion for mechanics from his father Ernesto, who owned a repair workshop. However, instead of focusing on repairs, Gualtiero dedicated himself to modifications.

One of the most important modifications he made was to the WLA, the famous Harley Davidson, which Ancillotti equipped with an innovative shock absorber system that made the suspension smoother.

Between 1965 and 1966, two notable modifications to the Lambretta Innocenti were made, both of which became part of history: the Lambretta Ancillotti Special 200 c.c., which set the class speed record from a standing start at the Monza circuit, and the Lambretta Ancillotti Super Sprint 250 c.c. The latter achieved two world records at the Elvington circuit that remain unbeaten to this day: the standing start kilometer and the flying quarter mile.

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The Scarab of the Medici Pyramid

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In 1967, while testing modifications near the Cascine Park, Gualtiero and his sons had a revelation.

In the park, there is a pyramid-shaped building, the Ghiacciaia de’ Medici, built in 1796 by Giuseppe Manetti. Above the entrance, there is an intriguing bas-relief depicting a scarab with open wings.

The Ancillotti family decided to rework this image and use it as their figurative trademark.

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Ancillotti Scarab

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Not only the figurative trademark but also the name "Scarab" is inspired by the scarab on the pyramid.

The Scarab motorcycles were among the most successful models in the 1960s and 1970s. Initially developed as a modification of the Beta Cross Special, they became the flagship model of the Florentine company.

Since the late 1980s, Ancillotti has been producing Downhill and Enduro MTB bikes under the name Scarab.

The latest model from Ancillotti, following the high-performance Scarab EVO 29, is the Scarab EVO 29 DH. This prototype won a World Championship this year with Sophie Riva of the Ancillotti Factory Team.