Moto Guzzi V8 replica

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Moto Guzzi V8 replica

Guiseppe Todero built the legendary Moto Guzzi V8 racing machine on his own.

One of the most famous factory racing machines ever built is the 500cc eight-cylinder from Moto Guzzi due to the number of cylinders. Of the machine developed in 1955 and used in the Grand Prix in 1956, there are just three copies, two non-functional in Moto Guzzi possession, another in private hands. Even the wealthiest collectors can only dream of this rare piece. The 48-year-old Guiseppe Todero, a trained technical draftsman and now technical director at the chainsaw manufacturer Mc Culloch, had favorable conditions for his replica. The son of the longtime chief designer of Moto Guzzi, Umberto Todero, worked for Moto Guzzi for half a year in 1979 and there came across a collection of parts from the famous factory racing machines from the 1950s.

 

 

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Moto Guzzi V8 replica

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Moto Guzzi V8 replica

Moto Guzzi won the world championship in the 350 class several times in the mid-50s. In fact, Todero was able to complete such a motorcycle and is now the proud owner of this machine. But there was also a huge number of parts from the legendary V8 racing machine in his stock. The elaborate crankshaft in particular aroused his curiosity. The question of the construction never let go of him, and so the plan to replicate the V8 true to the original matured in him.

 

During the inventory it turned out that almost all engine components were present, even if some were badly damaged. In this way, Guiseppe Todero was able to remove the dimensions of the old housing parts and create new molds. But the original drawings were necessary for the reconstruction of some components. So he let his father know about his project. He initially thought his son’s plan was unrealistic, but then helped with advice and action. After all, he had designed this engine with the then chief designer Giulio Cesare Carcano and developed it after his departure from Moto Guzzi. In 1955, the V8 was created in a record time of just five months. It is also impressive how quickly his son Todero put the Guzzi replica on its wheels: in just one and a half years, he reconstructed the entire motorcycle with unparalleled vigor in his spare time. The design of the engine suited him well. Because despite its eight cylinders, this engine is incredibly simple.

 

Guiseppe made most of it himself in his small workshop. On a lathe from the 1950s and a cover milling machine, he machined the complete engine housing and the cylinder head cast with the cylinders. Specialists helped with the manufacture of parts such as crankshafts, pistons and valves. Todero even had the eight tiny carburetors re-cast and worked on them with his machine park. He also reconstructed the landing gear himself. The tinkerer did not stop at complicated tasks such as replicating the cladding. He built a model and made the shell in the original format out of sheet aluminum. It goes without saying that Guiseppe Todero’s primary goal was the unrestricted functionality.

 

The big moment came in September 1995. Just in time for the company’s 75th anniversary, the engine made the first expressions of life. Whenever Guiseppe Todero started the eight-cylinder, the crowd was drawn magnetically to the Guzzi V8. If you look at the result and listen to it, you can imagine the incredible achievement that Guiseppe Todero has achieved. When asked about the costs, he just waves it away meaningfully. At the Lap of Honor as part of this year’s Tourist Trophy, the proud owner will give the audience the unique experience of the Moto Guzzi V8 in action. All respect and have fun, Guiseppe Todero!

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