3 1921 Moto Guzzi Normale

The distinctive horizontal engine with the large external flywheel that powered the first production Moto Guzzi was itself derived from the prototype G.P. (Guzzi-Parodi) designed by Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi in 1919. The design set the scene for decades to come – motorcycles in sizes from 250cc to 500cc, as well as other vehicles such as light trucks. Even the all-conquering racing models that took five consecutive 350cc World Championships were derivatives of the original design. As the Falcone, the horizontal engine concept lasted until 1976 – a production run of 55 years. n