Eighty years ago today, the Società Anonima Meccanica Verghera was officially in Cascina Costa di Samarate, near today’s Milano Malpensa Airport, in northern Italy. It was the birth of what we know today as MV Agusta.
Despite Italy declaring war on Germany on October 13, 1944, officially ending its role in the World War II Axis Powers, the country faced the same post-war sanctions as other defeated European nations. That included prohibiting the manufacturing of many things of potential military use, such as aircraft.
The Agusta family, whose manufacturing assets had been principally engaged in aviation before and during WWII, had to turn its technical resources to another line of business. Post-war material scarcity, the widespread need for economical transportation, and the company’s established understanding of advanced design led to a natural choice—motorcycles.
Before the year was out, MV (Meccanica Verghera) Agusta released its first motorcycle—the M.V. 98 Turismo. With its 98cc single-cylinder engine and lightweight design, it was a popular machine to meet a variety of needs. More than 1,700 were built between 1945 and 1948.
The company explains the history and origins of the legendary MV logo:
“The MV98 engine, along with various components of the early MV Agusta motorcycles, was engraved with the word ‘EMMEVI’ to teach the correct pronunciation of the MV acronym. Meanwhile, all the motorcycles bore a logo made of the two letters MV (Meccanica Verghera) inside a gearwheel, symbolizing the company’s dedication to mechanics. This logo was paired with wings, seemingly spread by the force of wind generated by the motorcycle’s speed.”
In the eight decades since its creation, the MV Agusta has proven its technological prowess through international motorcycle road racing. In all, the company points to its 75 FIM Road Racing World Championship, with 38 individual rider’s titles, including legendary champions such as Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, John Surtees, Tarquinio Provini, Carlo Ubbiali, and Gary Hocking. MV earned 37 manufacturer’s titles from 1952 to 1973 across four displacement categories from 125cc to 500cc, as evidence of its advanced design and durability under the most demanding conditions.
Indeed, during his years racing MVs, Agostini won a still-record 13 world titles, 18 Italian championships, and 10 Isle of Man Tourist Trophies, becoming the most successful rider in motorcycle road racing history.
The MV Agusta models of today continue to exhibit technological sophistication, artistry in design, and commitment to high performance as required to succeed on the racetrack and in world markets over the years.
Recent models, such as the Rush, Dragster, Turismo Veloce, and Superveloce, embody the brand’s DNA of innovation, performance, and beauty. In 2024, MV Agusta added the Enduro Veloce, entering the adventure bike segment with a product that combines performance, advanced technology, and refined design.
The company has a long history of remarkable product design that takes its models beyond simple transportation to high industrial art. It points to the following examples:
“The Superveloce, unveiled in 2018, with its neo-retro aesthetic, which stunned the world, was chosen by American artist Daniel Arsham to create six of his ‘modern relics.’ The artist selects icons of contemporary pop culture and reworks them using his erosion technique, transforming them into objects that merge classic aesthetics with a forward-looking perspective. In 2024, the Superveloce Arsham, the most exclusive motorcycle in history, was showcased in the Arsham 3024 exhibition during the Venice Biennale.”
The Superveloce line evolved further in 2024, with the final version of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. Produced in just 500 units, this motorcycle was instantly hailed for its appearance. Its beauty inspired Hollywood director Nicholas Winding Refn, who created a short film titled ‘Beauty Is Not A Sin,’ selected for the Venice Film Festival’s official lineup — the first commercial project ever to achieve this honor.”
To celebrate its 80th anniversary, MV offers six themed limited-edition models—the 2025 Collezione Ottantesimo, unveiled last November at EICMA. The Centro Stile MV Agusta redesigned the historic logo for this occasion, replacing the traditional emblem on all motorcycles in the collection. The company describes this exclusive release:
The six celebratory models (800 Series 3-cylinder range: Brutale RR Ottantesimo, Dragster RR Ottantesimo, F3 RR Ottantesimo, and Superveloce S Ottantesimo – 1000 Series 4-cylinder range: Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo and Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo), all produced in a limited series of just 500 units, are identifiable by a laser engraving, “1 of 500,” located either on the steering plate or on the tank protection plate, depending on the model. Each motorcycle dedicated to the 80th Anniversary comes with its respective certificate of authenticity.
Marking MV Agusta’s 80th anniversary, MV Agusta Motor CEO Luca Martin stated:
Being part of MV Agusta during such a significant year in its history is a unique emotion and a great responsibility. This milestone is not only a tribute to our legacy but also a commitment to the future: to continue innovating while maintaining the values that have made MV Agusta a global icon. We are proud to represent Italian excellence, recognized last December at Montecitorio with the “100 Italian Excellences” award, a testament to our craftsmanship, exclusivity, and passion. Every MV Agusta motorcycle in the world comes entirely and solely from our beautiful factory on the shores of Lake Varese. The knowledge of working in the only place where these dreams take shape is a source of immense pride for all of us.
Happy 80th anniversary, MV Agusta!
