The Automotive and Motorcycle Heritage of Italy: A Guide to Motor Valley’s Collections

Italy’s Motor Valley is a treasure trove of automotive and motorcycle history, home to some of the world’s most iconic brands and collections. Located primarily in the Emilia-Romagna region, this area is renowned for its deep ties to motor racing and manufacturing, boasting a rich heritage that spans over a century. From the roaring engines of Ferrari and Maserati to the innovative designs of Ducati and Moto Guzzi, Motor Valley is a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts and historians alike.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the most significant collections in Motor Valley, each offering a unique glimpse into the evolution of Italian engineering and design. Whether you’re captivated by the sleek lines of classic sports cars or the rugged charm of vintage motorcycles, these collections showcase the craftsmanship, innovation, and passion that have defined Italy’s automotive legacy. With detailed information on locations, contact details, and visitation options, this guide serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to explore the heart of Italy’s motoring culture. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply seeking to understand the region’s impact on global automotive history, Motor Valley offers an unparalleled journey through the annals of motorized excellence.

Italy’s Motor Valley is home to some of the world’s most iconic automotive and motorcycle collections, preserving the rich history and craftsmanship that have defined the industry. Below is an extensive guide to these remarkable collections, offering detailed information on their locations, contact details, and visiting hours.

1. Collezione “Old Racing Spare Parts” di Mario Sassi

Address: Via Ripa, 3, 42013 Casalgrande, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Phone Number: +39 0522 999179, Mobile: +39 338 3228402
Website: oldracingspareparts.com
Email: [email protected]
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: A treasure trove of vintage racing spare parts, focusing on Formula 1 and sports cars from the 1960s to the 1980s.

2. Collezione Ascari “moto Maserati”

Address: Via dei Tipografi, 12, 41122 Modena, Italy
Phone Number: +39 348 5150777
Website: maseratimoto.com
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: This collection highlights the rare motorcycles produced by Maserati in the 1950s and 60s, housed in a charming annex in Modena.

3. Collezione Battilani

Address: Via Poiano, 1/B, 40026 Imola, Italy
Phone Number: +39 0542 640961, Mobile: +39 347 2980268 (Mr. Battilani)
Website: visitareimola.it
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: Featuring an extensive collection of vintage motorcycles from the early 1900s to 1945, with notable models from Harley Davidson and Frera.

4. Collezione Bruno Nigelli

Address: Via Giuseppe Venturi, 3, 40050 Monte San Pietro, Bologna, Italy
Phone Number: +39 051 6766792
Website: nifo.it
Email: [email protected]
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: A unique collection of over 300 motorcycles, tracing the history of Bologna’s motorcycle industry.

5. Collezione dell’Automobile Bandini

Address: Via del Braldo, 80, Rovere, Forlì, Italy
Phone Number: +39 0543 67448
Website: ilariobandini.it
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: Dedicated to the handcrafted cars of Ilario Bandini, this collection is a must-see for fans of Italian automotive engineering.

6. Collezione Guzzi Brunelli

Address: Viale Roma, 32, 47034 Forlimpopoli, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
Phone Number: +39 335 1310902
Website: collezioneguzzibrunelli.it
Email: [email protected]
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: A homage to the legendary Moto Guzzi brand, featuring models from 1930 to 1970.

7. Collezione Moto Poggi (COMP)

Address: Via Di Vittorio, 2, 40055 Villanova Di Castenaso, Bologna, Italy
Phone Number: +39 338 6924706
Website: collezionemotopoggi.com
Email: [email protected]
Visitation: First Saturday of each month, Thursday mornings, or by appointment
Description: Known for its impressive array of Yamaha racing motorcycles, this collection spans five exhibition rooms.

8. Collezione Nello Salsapariglia

Address: Via Lazzaretti, 3, 42011 Bagnolo in Piano, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Phone Numbers: +39 335 6764656 (Ivano Salsapariglia), +39 340 3479504 (Alan Salsapariglia)
Website: collezionesalsapariglia.it
Email: [email protected]
Visitation: Sundays, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, or by appointment
Description: A diverse collection of vintage motorcycles, engines, and memorabilia, tracing the history of Italian engineering.

9. Collezione Parilla di Bruno Baccari

Address: Via Provinciale Faentina, 21, 47015 Modigliana, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
Phone Number: +39 348 2341452
Email: [email protected]
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: A focused collection on Moto Parilla, with around 50 motorcycles and a wealth of historical documents.

10. Collezione Parmeggiani

Address: Bologna, Italy (Exact address not publicly listed)
Phone Number: +39 0536 073036
Email: [email protected]
Website: parmeggianicollection.com
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: A prestigious collection of motorcycles from the 1920s to the 1990s, curated by Gian Pietro Parmeggiani.

11. Collezione Pasquale Mesto

Address: Via Minarini, 1/F, 40068 San Lazzaro di Savena, Bologna, Italy
Phone Number: +39 335 7698703
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: Featuring over 30 models from Italjet’s history, this collection highlights the brand’s innovative designs.

12. Collezione Pollini

Address: Via Guido Rossa 7, Casalecchio di Reno, Bologna, Italy
Phone Number: +39 051 520311 (after 8 PM)
Website: conoscereilpassatovivendoilpresente.it
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: A journey through automotive history from the 1950s to the early 2000s, featuring cars, advertising posters, and magazines.

13. Collezione Righini

Address: Via Emilia, 49, 40011 Anzola dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
Phone Number: +39 051 733169
Website: righiniauto.it
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: Housed in the historic Panzano Castle, this collection includes over 350 vehicles, including the first car built by Enzo Ferrari.

14. Collezione Vespa Mauro Pascoli

Address: Via Faentina, 175/A, 48124 Fornace Zarattini, Ravenna, Italy
Phone Number: +39 0544 502078
Email: [email protected]
Website: collezionevespa.it
Visitation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Mondays and Fridays by booking
Description: Dedicated to Vespa, this collection features over 150 vehicles and a vast array of memorabilia.

15. Collezione Villa Italia

Address: Po Valley, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (Exact address not publicly listed)
Website: villaitalia.org
Visitation: By appointment only
Description: This private museum showcases the official Moto Villa motorcycles, prototypes, and memorabilia from 1968 to 1986.

16. Museo dell’Automobile e annessa Scuderia San Martino

Address

Discovering the Charm of Casa Maria Luigia in Modena, Italy

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In the picturesque outskirts of Modena, just a short 20-minute drive from the city center and a mere 10-minute journey from the Modena Sud exit on the A1 highway, lies the enchanting country house, Casa Maria Luigia. This historic 18th-century residence, once left abandoned, was brought back to life by renowned chef Massimo Bottura and his wife, Lara Gilmore.

The Transformation Journey of Bottura & Gilmore

Having purchased this grand property at a court auction for 700,000 euros after five failed attempts, the couple had a vision. They wanted to offer guests the experience of the tranquil Italian countryside paired with world-class dining. They invested an additional million euros to restore and transform the once-decrepit villa into an exclusive guesthouse, which quickly became the go-to spot for corporate gatherings and group dinners.

Every corner of this villa reflects Bottura and Gilmore’s passions. From art installations by acclaimed artists like Andy Warhol and Doug Aitken to its Gucci wallpaper and decorative mirrors, Casa Maria Luigia exudes luxury and taste. The 12-room residence is spread over three floors, complete with a standalone bungalow, a tennis court, and a swimming pool. For music lovers, the listening room, boasting a vintage LP collection and Alessandro Mendini’s iconic Proust armchair, is a treat.

Gastronomic Delights: Francescana at Maria Luigia

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Nestled within Casa Maria Luigia is its gem, the Francescana restaurant. Headed by the talented Canadian chef, Jessica Rosval, a veteran of Bottura’s Osteria Francescana team, this eatery offers an array of Bottura’s signature dishes. From a tasting menu with highlights like “Una compressione di pasta e fagioli” and “Tortellini come gesto sociale” priced at 330 €, to its wine pairing option for an additional 150 €, the culinary experience here is unparalleled.

The difference between this establishment and Osteria Francescana downtown? While the latter only serves newly created dishes that rotate biannually, Francescana at Maria Luigia celebrates Bottura’s iconic creations from over the years.

A Morning at Bottura’s

Mornings at Casa Maria Luigia are a delight. Guests are greeted with a hearty breakfast reminiscent of traditional Modenese farmer snacks. Picture freshly baked bread and focaccia from a wood-fired oven, paired with locally sourced ricotta. Not to mention, the variety of local specialties like cotechino, erbazzone, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano, ensuring guests start their day on a gastronomic high.

An Experience Beyond Stay & Food

But the surprises don’t stop at food. Venture into the playroom and you’ll discover a treasure trove of limited edition Ferrari cars, vintage Ducatis, Maseratis, and Lamborghinis. A nod to Bottura’s love for “slow food and fast cars.” The experience is further enhanced with a tour of the adjoining acetaia, where over 1,200 barrels of traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena are aged.

Luxury Stays

For those looking to immerse themselves in the full Casa Maria Luigia experience, accommodations range from the Festina Lente rooms priced at 340 € to the expansive Luigina bungalow at 2,500 €.

Known to attract a star-studded clientele, it’s rumored that celebrities like David Beckham and actor Patrick Dempsey have enjoyed stays here. So, whether you’re seeking a lavish escape or a gastronomic journey, Casa Maria Luigia awaits.

The Ducati museum in Bologna: fun for everyone!

Once you have had a chance to visit some of the Cultural and Culinary treats that await you in Bologna, it is time for a visit to the Ducati Museum and Factory to experience Italian motor engineering and style at its’ best! Ducati has been making motorcycles since 1946, and at the Ducati Museum, located at the factory headquarters, you can learn how their product has evolved over the course of the last 70 years. This is no stuffy old-fashioned museum, but a modern and award-winning attraction that will delight young and old alike, so do not miss it!

The DUCATI Museum Collection

The museum, which opened in 1998 has been arranged to represent an illuminated racetrack, featuring 33 iconic motorcycles from various periods of the company’s history; Adding to the WOW factor, the spectator area is situated inside a massive red helmet! After you have had a look at the cycles on the “track” you will proceed through 7 themed rooms, where you can learn all about the Brand, the dream and the reality that is Ducati today. You will see the history of the company, its’ most important innovations and an overview of the 30 years before the first motorcycle was produced. You will learn about the Ducati motor racing heritage and the people who made it all happen.
The story starts with the Cucciolo, (puppy, in Italian!) the first engine produced by the company in 1946 (designed by Aldo Farinelli) after World War II, when there was a desperate need for a cheap form of transport to boost the economy. The Cucciolo was basically an ordinary bicycle fitted with a very economical 4-stroke engine, which could carry two people up and down the many hills in the area. You will then follow innovations which resulted in Ducati becoming the envy of the motorcycle industry and won them many prizes at Superbike World Championships. The final exhibit is of the Desmosedici cycle, which introduced a new generation of racing engines from the company.

Factory and Museum Tours

Tours of the Factory and the Museum are conducted by a Ducati guide 4 times each day, and need to be booked in advance. Plan to visit from Monday to Friday is possible, as the factory tour is not available on Saturdays unless you are a member of the DOC – Ducati Owners Club! Times are 9.15, 11.00, 13.45 and 15.30 and it will cost you €10.00 to visit.
Bookings can be done online at www.ducati.com or by telephone: +39(0)516413343.

Getting There:

Bologna is easily reached from all parts of Italy by train, plane or car. It is just 1 hour from Florence, 2 hours from Milan and Venice and 3.5 hours from Rome. If you are flying into Bologna airport, you can get a taxi which will take you to the factory in 10 minutes.
From the centre of Bologna, the best way is to take a suburban train, which will only cost you about €1 and takes just 10 minutes. Then grab a taxi for the short ride to the factory. You can also take a bus from the centre of Bologna; although this takes quite a bit longer (40min) and requires a change of busses along the way, you can get off at “Borgo Panigale” stop and then walk just 200 metres to the Company. Take a no 36 or 39 to Via Lame and then change to No 13 going towards Borgo Panigale.

Organised Ducati tour in Bologna.

For those not fond of fiddling with reservation and Italian publish transport, Emilia Delizia can organise a chauffeured Ducati museum and factory tours. We will book and reserve spots for you and provide transport, you can also combine the Ducati factory and museum visit with the other super car factory and collection in the area.