Moto Guzzi Mototriciclo 32

Before and during World War II, Moto Guzzi supplied a range of tricycles (‘mototriciclo’ in Italian) and three-wheeled trucks (‘motocarro’ in Italian) to the Italian Army. These machines were well received by the Army due to good maintainability and relatively low price. These are remarkable machines in the history of the Italian armed forces, which were constantly lacking in equipment and fuel.

Mototriciclo 32 is the first three-wheeled machine used by the Italian Army during WWII. The trike began to be used in 1935 when Italy occupied East Africa. The military quickly accepted it for its high maneuverability and reliability, combined with good load capacity. During the Second World War, it was widely used on all fronts. Over the years, the Moto Guzzi has produced 935 Model 32 trikes specifically for the army.

The Mototriciclo 32 was a three-wheeled version of the Sport 15 model. It inherited the design solutions typical for similar machines: a front spring suspension, structurally combined with a rear subframe, to which the two-wheeled drive axle was attached. It was driven by the same 500cc engine as the basic model. It was also equipped with a three-speed gearbox with an open chain. However, the gear ratio was reduced due to the increased weight of the machine. The trike could carry up to 500 kg. A cargo bed was just an open box suitable for the transportation of loads. There were army versions, which had a bed with a machine gun mount.

The Mototriciclo 32 from the “Motoworld by V. Sheyanov” collection was restored at the Costantino Frontalini’s workshop. As for the paintwork, sand camouflage color (so-called ‘blind colonial’) was used. Besides, Mr. Frontalini has added a peculiar option to the machine: a field radio station. This accessory was developed by the Allocchio Bacchini company in the 1930s for the Italian Army as a device of communication between the front and the General Staff. It is interesting that just a few years before the communication was provided by carrier pigeons.