History of MV Agusta

Italian Passion Since 1945

The MV Agusta name has been synonymous with performance, innovation, and quality since 1945.

The origins of the Italian icon are an extension of the brand’s rich heritage. Centered on the story of Count Giovanni Agusta and his son Domenico, it is an exploration into the heart of Italian manufacturing.

Origin Story

MV Agusta is one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in history, currently based in Varese, Italy. It has been around since 1945, and has a rich history that goes back even further than that.

The company's earliest roots date back to 1907 when Count Giovanni founded the Agusta Aeronics Company. After his death in 1927, Domenico Agusta—who had been working with his father in the airplane industry—diversified into motorcycles due to a drastic decline in the airplane industry after World War I.

The Meccaniche Verghera brand was established in 1945 and manufactured its first motorcycle, the MV 98, later that year. This pioneered its many racing successes including winning 37 world championship titles before discontinuing production in 1977.

The brand changed hands several times throughout its lifetime due to financial challenges until it was bought by Luxemburg-based ComSar Invest— led by Timur Sardarov — in 2019.

Since this acquisition, MV Agusta has been working on revitalizing its business and creating new models. After a couple of years of uncertainty, it seems that the company has finally found stability.

History

The history of MV Agusta is one that's been around since the early 1900s—and one that continues to be rich with tradition and innovation.

Beginnings to Decline

In 1945, Count Domenico Agusta, who had previously been focused on building airplanes, shifted his attention to motorcycles when the Italian government banned the production of airplanes in Italy. The MV or Meccanica Verghera Agusta was established as a branch of the Agusta aircraft company in Cascina Costa, Italy.

With a passion for motorcycles, Count Domenico led the company to begin innovating in a way that would define it for decades to come. In the autumn of 1945, MV Agusta came up with its first motorcycle, which led to multiple racing successes.

However, the company's fortunes declined after the death of Count Domenico in the early 1970s. A clash between two opposing schools of thought within the company management over how best to proceed led to limited development of the racing team and a drastic fall in the number of models on offer.

In an attempt to save the company from financial hurdles, MV Agusta sought out a new financial partner and in 1973, EFIM (Ente Partecipazioni E Finanziamento Industria Manifatturiera) acquired a controlling stake in MV Agusta. The public financing giant was able to save the firm by offering it financial support in exchange for a commitment to leave the motorcycle industry. Thus in 1977, motorcycle production for MV Agusta came to a halt with the last sales made in 1980.

Racing History

MV Agusta's history has been marked by victories on circuits around the world. The first success came at the hands of Franco Bertoni with the MV 98 Sport in 1947 at Carate, Brianza. This was followed by a string of victories that placed the company in the spotlight up until its last win in 1976.

Throughout its history, MV Agusta has been associated with some of the most successful riders in motorsport history. The Italian manufacturer has won an incredible 270 Grand Prix motorcycle races, 37 World Constructors' Championships, and 38 World Riders' Championships with acclaimed riders including Giacomo Agostini, Carlo Ubbiali, Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, John Surtees, and Gary Hocking.