Could you believe that aviation history took a sharp turn into motorcycle racing glory? That’s precisely the story the Museo Agusta tells. Here at the Museo Agusta, we celebrate the fascinating history of a company that conquered both the skies and the racetrack.
The Museo Agusta stands as a testament to the Agusta company. It began with founder Giovanni Agusta’s passion for aviation. He built his first aircraft in 1907. About 40 years later, the company he created stormed the motorcycle world. It became the greatest racing team ever seen.
Inside the Museo Agusta, you will find the story of the company. It documents Agusta’s relationship with aviation companies. Aero Caproni once employed 25000 people. Marchetti was famed for its seaplanes.
Helicopters also feature prominently. The company still produces them today. A large section of the Museo Agusta is devoted to helicopters.
But the motorcycles are the stars of the show. Many motorcycles are displayed from MV’s early days to current production models. MV’s racing machines achieved about 3000 international podium finishes. Great names like Phil Read, Ubbiali, Surtees, Provini, and Agostini rode them.
The Museo Agusta was promoted by senior employees. They had worked at Agusta. The company actively supported the museum. Today, the museum is a foundation recognized by the Region of Lombardy. It preserves objects, documents and photographs. See drawings, products, prototypes and models. Full-scale or reduced-scale versions of aircraft, helicopters and motorbikes are also displayed. These exemplify almost a century of Italian engineering. You can experience aerospace technology.
See the legendary MV500. It is Agostini’s three-cylinder motorbike. It won seven world championship titles. Other Agusta motorcycles won world championships. They dominated the 125, 250, 350, and 500 categories.
Cesare Tobaldo, the museum’s restorer, once worked as a fabricator in the helicopter factory. The motorcycle race shop was located there in Cascina Costa. The Count liked to keep an eye on the race bikes in development. Arturo Magni could use the plant’s advanced fabrication capabilities. The plant’s layout made it possible to move race bikes. This was useful even if the factory was being picketed by strikers.
Employees at the helicopter factory supported the motorcycle race team. Sig. Magni used to run motorcycles up and down the road. When word got out that Ago was riding, 500 people stopped working to watch him.
The Museo Agusta has many race bikes. They are from the 1950s through the 1970s. Scores of production models are on display. Many of the displays are prototypes. The placards show two dates. One is the year the model was made. The other is when the model was raced or produced. There are also wild prototypes that never raced or made it into production.
The Agusta Museum offers a unique glimpse into Italian industrial history. It showcases the innovation and passion that drove MV Agusta to greatness. As you leave the Museo Agusta, consider the legacy of innovation and speed. It continues to inspire engineers and racers worldwide.