Italy’s interwar roads and the Mandello del Lario factory shaped an era of practical, purpose-built motorcycles that still interest collectors and historians today. The 1930s were a time of technical shifts and diverse uses—from military duty to early sport machines—so these models tell a lot about how motorcycles evolved.
There are 16 1930s Moto Guzzi Motorcycles, ranging from Alce to V; for each model, data are organized as Production years,Engine (cc),Notable features (max 15 words), which you’ll find below.
What are the main mechanical and purpose differences across these 1930s Moto Guzzi models?
Across the list you’ll see variation in engine displacement, cylinder layout, intended use (military, touring, racing), and component choices like brakes and suspension; compare the Production years,Engine (cc),Notable features (max 15 words) columns to spot whether a model was built for payload, speed, or longevity.
Where can I see or verify details about these models in person or online?
Start with the Moto Guzzi Museum in Mandello del Lario, respected club registries, auction archives, and specialist books or forums—these sources plus period catalogs help confirm production dates, engine specs and the short notable-features notes you’ll find below.
1930s Moto Guzzi Motorcycles
| Model | Production years | Engine (cc) | Notable features (max 15 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport 15 | 1931-1939 | 498 | Iconic ‘bacon slicer’ flywheel, saddle tank, immense reliability. |
| G.T. 16 | 1931-1934 | 498 | Revolutionary ‘elastic frame’ with swingarm rear suspension. |
| P 175 | 1932-1934 | 173 | Lightweight, economical model with a lively overhead valve engine. |
| G.T. 17 | 1932-1939 | 498 | Military version of the G.T. 16, often with sidecar. |
| P 250 | 1934-1937 | 246 | Highly popular quarter-litre model with a unit-construction engine. |
| S | 1934-1940 | 498 | Economical side-valve tourer that replaced the Sport 15. |
| V | 1934-1940 | 498 | Rigid-framed model with a powerful overhead valve engine. |
| G.T.V. | 1934-1949 | 498 | Overhead valve engine and rear suspension for high performance touring. |
| G.T.W. | 1934-1949 | 498 | Sporting twin-port cylinder head version of the G.T.V. |
| P.E. 250 | 1934-1939 | 246 | ‘Elastico’ model bringing rear suspension to the 250cc class. |
| P.L. 250 | 1937-1939 | 246 | ‘Lusso’ (luxury) version of the popular P 250. |
| P.E.S. 250 | 1938-1939 | 247 | Sporting version of the P.E. 250 with higher performance. |
| Alce | 1939-1945 | 498 | Legendary military motorcycle with a low-compression side-valve engine. |
| Ardetta | 1939-1940 | 247 | Economical lightweight with a unit-construction engine and gearbox. |
| Egretta | 1939-1940 | 247 | Advanced design with a pressed sheet-metal frame and unit engine. |
| Condor | 1939-1940 | 498 | A pure-bred, over-the-counter production racer, very rare. |
Images and Descriptions
Sport 15
A best-seller that defined Moto Guzzi’s reputation for robustness. It combined a proven engine with an updated frame and saddle tank, making it a hugely popular and dependable choice throughout the decade for touring.
G.T. 16
A landmark grand tourer derived from the famous Norge prototype. Its innovative rear suspension, a parallelogram system with hidden springs, set a new benchmark for rider comfort and handling on long journeys.
P 175
Introduced to capture the growing market for smaller, affordable motorcycles. The P 175 offered spirited performance and excellent fuel economy, making motorcycling accessible to a much wider audience in Italy.
G.T. 17
Built for the Italian Army, this rugged model featured the G.T.’s comfortable rear suspension. It was produced in both solo and sidecar configurations for scouting and dispatch duties, proving its durability in service.
P 250
A simple, robust, and economical motorcycle that became a massive commercial success for Moto Guzzi. Its reliable engine and practical design made it a favorite for daily commuting and light touring duties.
S
The S series offered proven Moto Guzzi reliability in a more affordable package. It used a dependable side-valve engine and rigid frame to keep costs down while still being a very capable long-distance motorcycle.
V
This motorcycle combined the modern, potent OHV engine of the G.T.V. with a traditional rigid frame. It appealed to sporting riders who preferred the direct feedback and lighter weight of an unsuspended rear end.
G.T.V.
The ‘V’ stood for Valvole (valves), signifying its modern OHV engine. This model combined the comfort of the G.T. elastic frame with significantly more power, creating a superb and fast long-distance machine.
G.T.W.
The ‘W’ designated the sportier model with its distinctive twin exhaust ports and pipes. It offered enhanced performance over the standard G.T.V. and was aimed at the enthusiast rider seeking more speed and style.
P.E. 250
This innovative 250cc bike introduced the comfort of the ‘elastic frame’ to the lightweight category. It was a sophisticated and comfortable small-capacity machine, perfect for touring on Italy’s often-poor road surfaces.
P.L. 250
This model featured better finishing, more chrome, and additional equipment than the standard P 250. It catered to buyers who wanted the economy of a 250cc machine but with a higher level of style.
P.E.S. 250
The ‘S’ for Sport indicated a tuned engine for greater power and higher revs. It combined the sophisticated suspended chassis of the P.E. with a more lively character, appealing to younger, sport-oriented riders.
Alce
Designed for the Italian Army, the Alce (Elk) was exceptionally rugged and reliable. Its low-revving engine could handle poor quality fuel, and it became the definitive Italian military motorcycle of WWII.
Ardetta
A small, simple, and affordable motorcycle designed just before the war. It was intended as a basic transport solution, featuring a modern design with the engine and gearbox built into a single casing.
Egretta
A technically interesting model, the Egretta (Egret) used a unit-construction engine as a stressed member in an innovative stamped steel frame. It was a modern lightweight whose production was cut short by war.
Condor
The Condor was a high-performance machine built for privateer racers. With extensive use of light alloys and a highly tuned OHV engine, it was a dominant force in the 500cc racing class before the war.
