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.