Manufactured: Nerino Ghibellini
Ditta Pettazzoni in Via D'Azeglio 8 (vendita) e Via Pignattari 9 (offcina). Ditta Ghibellini in Via San Vitale 53, later Via Mazzini 10/12, Bologna.
The Diana was of limited production but well-respected for its racing success.
Nerino Ghibellini of Bologna created the Diana motor-bicycle in 1923, with sales handled by Ernesto Pettazzoni who owned a shop selling bicycles and motor bicycles. The machines were fitted with DKW two-strokes of 118cc to 147cc capacity and were ridden by Ghibellini in gruelling races such as the Circuito del Lario and the Giro d'Italia in order to promote the product - and because he loved racing.
The venture was not a commercial success and Pettazzoni's business failed. Ghibellini attempted to continue alone but was forced to close the factory in, it is believed, 1924.
Pettazzoni made a new start and opened a small workshop in Strada Maggiore where he created the Velocino bicycle of rather unusual but quite attractive design. It had a small front wheel and the handlebars could be positioned beneath the seat allowing the whole device to be folded and carried in a relatively small bag.
Patented in 1935, the bicycle attracted considerable attention and it is said that Mussolini comissioned it for production but war came and the order was cancelled. Pettazoni left for Africa, and on his return to Italy and after the death of his wife in 1947, took his own life, a victim of depression.
His design was produced by other companies including (possibly) Raleigh of Great Britain in the 1960s.
Diana Turismo 1923
Sources: motoclubetrusco.it, Musei Patrimonio Industriale, oldbike.eu
Notes: Several other marques use the name Diana
Wed Oct 19 2005
gippo- at hotmail dot com
Diana - Italian motorcycle years '20
Diana 125 DKW motor model "Turismo" 1923 - Motorcycle manufacturer
Nerino Ghibellini, Bologna Italy
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