KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Alejandro de Tomaso’s timely intervention in the Italian automotive industry saved at least two wellknown and respected marques from going to the wall prematurely. This astute move by the Argentinian extended Benelli’s working life well into the late 1980s when it was merged with Moto Guzzi. Looking for economies in supply lines, de Tomaso rationalised many of the bought-in components, ensuring both firms maximised their collective buying power. This is good news for Sei lovers as Moto Guzzi parts such as brakes, headlights, wheel rims, some electrics, ignition switches and the Veglia gauges can often be used. Obviously nothing is guaranteed, but in relative terms a lot more machines went out through the gates of the Genoa factory than left the Benelli one at Pesaro.