The world of motorcycle racing has produced many exotic machines and few are more interesting and exciting than the Italian multis.
The names alone - Moto Guzzi, Gilera, MV Agusta - immediately conjure up images of the glorious days of World Championship racing in the 1950s and 1960s. The sights and sounds of these Latin racers provoke evocative memories.
This superb in-depth documentary from producer David Wood encapsulates the history and colourful stories of the Italian multis in the years between 1946 and 1976.
When the FIM instituted a world championship for 125, 250, 350, 500 solos and sidecars in 1949, the Italian factories were prime challengers. With competition intense and rivalry fierce, poaching of designers, mechanics and riders was not uncommon. The chance to reign victorious was of paramount importance.
Witness here the memorable championship years, with superstars Duke, Surtees, Agostini, Liberati, McIntyre, Masetti, Hailwood, Hockin, Ambrosini, Milani and other riders as their sleek, thoroughbred bikes howl around the great circuits of the world - the Nurburgring, Assen, Spa, Monza and the Isle of Man.
With nostalgic racing action, interviews and unique insights, the charge of the Italian 'Fire Engines' - so called because of their scarlet tanks - is a compelling tale.
As these fascinating stories unfold, relive the glorious sights and sounds of these 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and even 8-cylinder machines on the absolute limit with the Great Italian GP Racers.
