Bruno Cavalieri Ducati Dies at 96

The second son of Engineer Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, Bruno Cavalieri Ducati, founder of Ducati Motor, died on May 14, 2001.

Born on November 05, 1904, Bruno founded the "Societa Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati" in 1926 with his brothers Adriano and Marcello...

The brothers applied their father's engineering and electrical patents to the manufacturing of tuning capacitors and radios and worked with Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the Radio. From these beginnings, the great and varied adventure of Ducati manufacturing -- from radios, razors and calculators to the high-performance motorcycles of the modern era -- began.

It was Bruno who, as a young architect, designed the then cutting-edge Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale (on the outskirts of Bologna) and laid the first stone on June 1st, 1935. The factory was later bombed to the ground during the Second World War.

After the war, Bruno became Managing Director of Ducati and successfully acquired the patent for the production of a micro-engine. The engine was attached to a bicycle frame and the product, called "Cucciolo" or "Puppy," became one of the early Italian motorcycles. It revolutionized transport in post-war Italy and went on to sell in the hundreds of thousands. The Cucciolo laid the basis for Ducati's later spectacular success in the field of two-wheeled vehicles and racing.

Today, we at Ducati remember Bruno Cavalieri Ducati -- appointed Cavaliere del Lavoro in 1939 -- with admiration, gratitude and affection. Even in his old age he maintained close contacts with the Company, publishing his memories in 1991, in a book called, "Storia della Ducati."

In a year in which Ducati celebrates its 75th anniversary, we pay homage to the man who founded it all and honour his achievements, which are continuing sources of inspiration to us all.

The funeral honors will be celebrated in Bologna, on Thursday May 17, 2001 at 11.30 a.m.