Moto Guzzi began as an ambition of three friends, Raveli, Parodi, and Guzzi, who based the company in Mandello, Italy, in 1921. The first bikes bore the title G.P. for Guzzi, Parodi. The brand was soon updated to Moto Guzzi. The company found success quickly, and by the 1950s, it was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in Italy, also winning 5 GP racing titles during this era. The 1960s saw Guzzi create its most notorious trait, the 90-degree “V twin” motor. The company was nationalized during this same decade, giving it more resources. However, they would still struggle financially until 2000, when Aprilla bought the company and set the stage for their current caretakers Piaggio in 2004.