Following the Second World War, Italy was faced with the enormous challenge of reconstructing the nation's social, political and economic fabric. One of the most remarkable success stories was seen in the field of miniature internal combustion engines to be fitted to bicycles or in dedicated frames. Low prices guaranteed their immediate success and Bologna played a full part in the phenomenon: Ducati, for example, launched the Cucciolo, one of the artificers of the 'motorization' of the Italian people. However, there were no less than 49 Bologna-based firms active in that period, in many cases 'shooting stars' soon destined to disappear. Among the motorcycle constructors were M.M. and C.M. which had a glorious history, while Moto Morini and F.B-Mondial achieved sporting success in Italy and abroad. Others such as Cimatti, Malaguti, Marzocchi, Testi and Verlicchi began to conquer a significant share of the market. Some of these marques are still successful on the global market today.
This book presents 50 biographies of the Bologna-based manufacturers, with over 300 images, many previously unpublished, as well as a major section entitled "Collecting" with photographs and technical details of all the most important bikes of the time.