GD

125 Corsa - 1926

A successful formula

GD was founded in Bologna in 1922 by brothers Gherardo and Mario Ghirardi and Guido Dall'Oglio. The marque quickly made a name for itself through the excellent competition results obtained by its little machines, notably in the hands of works engineer Mario Cavedagni. For instance, Cavedagni finished second to his teammate Renato Sceti in the 1924 Italian Championship. He was also successful in the 1925 GP des Nations, before resigning to found the CM marque along with Oreste Drusiani.

Horizontal Single

The same year, Amedeo Ruggeri won the German Grand Prix and Carlo Baschieri came in first in the Italian Championship. Their mount – called the Corsa – was a 125 with a horizontal cylinder, a layout pioneered by GD and used with success by makes like MM during the following years.

Unbeatable Racer

This machine was said to be unbeatable in its class between 1923 and 1925. It was available in touring ("Viaggio") sports and racing versions, the latter being sold to private riders at a price of 3800 lire. The ultimate Monza version, available in 1926, was even fiercer and many well-known riders of the day – like Amilcare Rossetti, Omobono Tenni and Primo Zini – rode GD machines. After 1925, when both Gherardo Ghirardi and Dall'Oglio had left to found their own marques, the GD machines never again finished in first place. Their leading rider, Guglielmo Sandri, had to be content with being the eternal runner-up.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 122cc (51x60 mm) air-cooled single-cylinder; magneto ignition

Valves: two-stroke; ports controUed by piston skirt

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 2-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: dummy belt rim (front & rear)

Wheels: 26x2.00 inch wire (front & rear)

Maximum Speed: 50 mph

The GD had a meteoric career between 1923 and 1925, with a record that ensured the marque's place in history. However, things began to go wrong thereafter.