Ancillotti: Leading the Way in Motorcycles at MISE

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Ancillotti knows what it means to be a pioneer. With its motorcycles, the company has made history, achieving numerous victories and accolades over its more than 50 years of activity.

Recently, Ancillotti has achieved a new milestone with its Ancillotti Motorcycles brand, which is the first motorcycle and scooter brand to be listed in the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest by the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE).

  

Ancillotti Motorcycles in the Special Register of Historic Brands

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In 2019, the Ministry of Economic Development, known as MISE, established the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest. This register includes Italian brands that have been operating under the same name for at least 50 years.

The Italian brand Ancillotti Motorcycles, a leader since 1967 in the production of Cross, Enduro, and Off-Road motorcycles, is listed in the register under number 126.

Why is it so important to be included in the Special Register of Historic Brands? The registration acknowledges the brand's longevity and, consequently, its significance. Additionally, registered brands are permitted to use the "Historic Brand of National Interest" symbol, which features the outline of Italy.

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The Origins of Ancillotti Motorcycles

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To trace the origins of the brand, we go back to the early 20th century, specifically 1907, when Ernesto Ancillotti established the family's first mechanical repair shop.

In 1938, Gualtiero, continuing his father's legacy, opened "Specialità Moto" in the San Frediano district of Florence, dedicated to motorcycle and scooter customization.

Among the early customizations were modifications made to the frames of several Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Twenty-nine years later, the company changed its name to Società G. Ancillotti e Figli. From that point until 1986, the company produced around a hundred models of Trial, Enduro, and Cross motorcycles with displacements up to 250 cc.

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The Creation of the Figurative Brand

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The idea to use the stylized image of a flying beetle originated in Florence in 1967.

At that time, Gualtiero Ancillotti, along with his sons Alberto and Piero, frequently tested the customized motorcycles on Via delle Cascine and Viale degli Olmi.

In the middle of the latter street stands the Ghiacciaia delle Cascine, also known as the Pyramid of the Medici, a pyramid-shaped building designed in the late 18th century by architect Manetti.

Above the portal of this building is the image that inspired the Ancillottis and, with some adaptations, became the well-known figurative brand: the flying beetle.

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Famous Motorcycles from Ancillotti Motorcycles

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The brand’s fame began with the early customizations of the renowned Lambretta Innocenti scooter.

On December 2, 1965, the Lambretta Ancillotti Special 200 cc Monza set a speed record on the Monza circuit, while the following year, the Lambretta Ancillotti Super Sprint 250 cc Elvington achieved two successes on the Elvington circuit in England.

One of the most famous motorcycles produced by Ancillotti was the Scarab, a name now used for some MTB models.

In 2009, Ancillotti introduced the 125 G.A. Cross, a motorcycle dedicated to Gualtiero Ancillotti, produced in only four units.