Founded in 1909, Gilera acquired the rights to the Rondine four-cylinder engine in 1935. This 4-cylinder, water cooled and supercharged engine was the foundation for Gilera’s racing machines nearly forty years. After World War II Gilera dominated Grand Prix motorcycle racing, winning the 500cc road racing world championship 6 times in 8 years. The Piaggio Group bought Gilera in 1969 which was finally shuttered in 1993. Piaggio still sells a scooter line under the Gilera brand.
