Parilla
Parilla Motorcycles, an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturing company, traces its roots back to the vision of its founder, Giovanni Parrilla. Established in 1946, the brand became synonymous with excellence in both racing and road-going models. The name "Parilla" is intriguingly tied to the founder's surname, dropping one 'R'. Giovanni embarked on his journey by crafting a 248cc single-cylinder motorcycle. His engineering prowess was soon evident when he modified this bike to include a double overhead camshaft (dohc). Innovations continued with various road bikes, including 98cc, 125cc, and 250cc engines. William Soncini's appointment in 1952 marked a significant turning point, further enhancing the range.
The Parilla 250cc OHC single racer, capable of hitting 100mph, set the brand apart in a postwar Italian market flooded with 50cc mopeds. The resemblance of some Parilla components to Norton's designs underlines the company's ambition to align with the best. Following the initial success, Parilla introduced a dual camshaft model, drawing similarities to Norton's engine design and positioning of magneto.
With racing establishing the brand name, Parilla launched beautifully engineered road-going models. Notable among them was the 175 single with semi-overhead cam engine, with unique design features like chain drive running up the left side of the engine to operate valves through short pushrods. The Fox Turismo and Super Sport became iconic in this lineup, and unique models like the Bassotto (Basset Hound) embodied Giovanni's love for dogs.
The Motocicli Sport Derivati Dalla Serie (MSDS) became a hallmark in Parilla's history. This 175 model's engine design is a masterpiece, with an aesthetically pleasing camchain/gear tunnel. However, it faced challenges like valve springs wearing out quickly. Special solutions were devised, such as sourcing springs from Swiss specialists.
Despite innovative attempts, such as designing a 125cc rotary-valve two-stroke with a five-speed gearbox, financial constraints eventually led to Moto Parilla's collapse in 1967. The ceaseless pursuit of speed had its cost, and the brand was unable to sustain.
Moto Parilla found racing success in the United States. The adaptability of their designs allowed engines to be taken out to 250cc, leading to triumphs at events like the Daytona meeting in 1964. Competing and even beating giants like Yamaha and Honda, Parilla won drag races and scrambles, becoming well-regarded in the US.
Though the company ended its journey in 1965, the brand saw a revival in 2017 with the creation of an electric bicycle named Carbon. This e-bike symbolizes the marriage of bicycles and motorcycles, aiming at a unique, flashy, and top-quality product. Parilla Motorcycles' history is a blend of innovation, racing success, and artistic design. The brand's journey from its inception to its unexpected rebirth exemplifies Italian engineering at its best, maintaining its legacy as an emblem of motorcycle craftsmanship.
