Ancillotti Motorcycles: The First Made-in-Italy Motorcycle Brand Registered with the Ministry of Economic Development

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When thinking about the world of motorized two-wheelers, Ancillotti Motorcycles inevitably comes to mind, a brand that has made history in the Made-in-Italy motorcycle sector. With over 50 years of experience, Ancillotti Motorcycles is the first motorcycle and scooter brand to be listed in the Special Register of Historic Brands of national interest, maintained by the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE).

Ancillotti Motorcycles in the MISE Register

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With registration number 126, Ancillotti Motorcycles is the first scooter and motorcycle brand to be included in the MISE register established in 2019. This register, the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest, was created to provide additional recognition to brands that, having been registered for at least fifty years, have truly made their mark on Italian entrepreneurship.

On June 8, 2021, through the joint efforts of eight historic business entities, including Benetton and Converse Italia, the AMSI (Italian Historic Brands Association) was established. Membership in AMSI is exclusively reserved for brands that, like Ancillotti Motorcycles, are listed in the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest.

The Origins of the Brand

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To trace the origins of this historic Florentine motorcycle and scooter brand, we must go back to the early 1900s, specifically 1907. That year, Ernesto Ancillotti, Gualtiero’s father, opened a mechanical workshop.

Gualtiero grew up surrounded by engines and clearly developed a passion for them, deciding to follow in his father's footsteps. In 1938, he founded the "Specialità Moto" workshop in the historic Florentine district of San Frediano, where the first modifications were made that established the Ancillotti name.

The first notable project involved the WLA Harley Davidson, which Gualtiero equipped with a highly innovative suspension system, making the ride more comfortable.

Next came two modifications of the Lambretta Innocenti: the Lambretta Ancillotti Special 200 c.c. Monza and the Lambretta Ancillotti Super Sprint 250 c.c. Elvington.

In 1965, the Lambretta Ancillotti Special 200 cc set an astonishing world speed record in its class with a standing start at the Monza circuit. The following year, the Lambretta Ancillotti Super Sprint 250 cc made headlines by setting two still-unbroken records at the Elvington circuit: the world record for the kilometer with a standing start and the world record for the quarter-mile flying start.

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From Modifications to Production​

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The growing success and fame led to increased demand for the small workshop, necessitating some changes.

In 1972, the company changed its name to Ancillotti Motorcycles S.r.l. and opened its first industrial production facility in Chianti, Sambuca Val di Pesa.

Here, over 100 different models of Enduro, Trial, and Cross motorcycles were produced, with engine displacements ranging from 50 c.c. to 250 c.c.

Among these, the most famous was undoubtedly the Scarab.

Here, over 100 different models of Enduro, Trial, and Cross motorcycles were produced, with engine displacements ranging from 50 c.c. to 250 c.c.

Among these, the most famous was undoubtedly the Scarab.

In 2009, a new model was created in just four units, dedicated to Gualtiero Ancillotti: the Ancillotti 125 G.A. Cross.