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.