Benelli wasn’t the first motorcycle manufacturer in Italy, but it’s the oldest Italian brand that still makes motorcycles, though its production history had some interruptions. As was the case in the United States, there were scores of upstart motorcycle manufacturers in Italy in the early decades of the 20th century, but only a handful survived. Join us for a 111-year walk down the annals of Italian motorcycle history.

In 1911, the six Benelli brothers opened their first shop in Pesaro, Italy. The Benelli Garage serviced and repaired bicycles and motorcycles, made spare parts for both, and within a few years set to work on their own engine design. A 75cc 2-stroke Single debuted in 1920, and their first complete motorcycle followed a year later.