November 2025 (G.T.) – A “treasure chest” containing precious artefacts, and an essential destination for motorcycling fans. We’re talking about the Historical Museum of the Guardia di Finanza (Italian Finance Police) in Rome, where, on 12 November, the plaque awarded by the FMI (Italian Motorcycling Federation) was unveiled: positioned at the entrance to the building, the crest recognises the enormous cultural value that the museum represents.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff of the General Command of the Guardia di Finanza, Divisional General Giuseppe Arbore, FMI President Giovanni Copioli, Lieutenant General Flavio Zanini (President of the Historical Museum), and Head of Institutional Relations for the FMI, Francesca Marozza.
Following a welcome address to all those present by Generals Zanini and Arbore and Mr Copioli, the event proceeded with the unveiling of the plaque. The crest distinguishes the Museum of the Guardia di Finanza as one of the most important museums in the country in the history of Italian motorcycling.
During the inauguration, the Director of the Historical Museum, Lieutenant Colonel Giuseppe Furno, led guests on a tour of the space.
Inaugurated in 1937, the Historical Museum houses the “Historical Vehicles Collection” (which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year): a superb collection of vehicles – all of which appear on the FMI Historical Register – including the Gilera B 300 Extra, the Gilera Giubileo 124, the Moto Guzzi 500 Falcone Sport, the Moto Morini Corsaro 158 “Tesa Piatta” bike already in use by the ‘Fiamme Gialle’ Motorcycle Sports Group, the Moto Guzzi V7, the Moto Guzzi V 75 and the Aprilia Pegaso 650 IE.
During the tour, Mr. Copioli and General Arbore discussed a number of issues regarding the importance of protecting motorcycling heritage, as well as exploring further opportunities for collaboration.
Giovanni Copioli, President of the FMI: “Visiting the Historical Museum of the Guardia di Finanza was a fantastic opportunity to gain a deeper insight into Italian motoring and military culture. I believe that formally recognising the value of this structure is a duty for us; it helps to keep the history of our country alive. I would like to thank the Chief of Staff of the General Command of the Guardia di Finanza, Major General Giuseppe Arbore and the President of the Historical Museum, Lieutenant General Flavio Zanini, for guiding us through this experience, and for sharing important values that regard the culture and history of motorcycles. The occasion was also an excellent opportunity to address a range of the current and future issues that are key to enabling us to develop and further grow our collaboration.”
Flavio Zanini, President of the Historical Museum of the Guardia di Finanza: “I am very grateful to the President of the FMI, Mr Giovanni Copioli, for recognising the cultural value of our Museum and of the Historical Vehicles Collection, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Created with the important contribution of the General Command of the Corps - highlighted today by the presence of General Arbore, to whom I extend my sincere thanks - the collection has increased its presence at the most prestigious motor racing events over the last three years, including many held internationally. This has enabled a broad audience to appreciate the evolution of these vehicles, as well as the multi-faceted character of an institution that has succeeded in evolving whilst remaining closely tied to its roots, confirming its role as an irreplaceable guardian of the State and of the community.”
(Source: FMI-Federazione Motociclistica Italiana press release).
Photo courtesy of the Museo Storico della Guardia di Finanza.
A PRECIOUS VOLUME: THE MOTORCYCLES AND CARS OF THE ‘FIAMME GIALLE’
(ITALIAN FINANCE POLICE) ON ITALIAN ROADS FOR 90 YEARS.
The cover (https://enteeditoriale.it/).
The Historical Museum of the Guardia di Finanza celebrated the tenth anniversary of its ‘Historical Vehicles Collection’ by publishing a book of photographs that pays tribute to the cars and motorcycles that have faithfully supported the men and women of the Fiamme Gialle (‘Yellow Flames’, as the Italian Finance Police are known) since 1935, in their daily mission to safeguard the economic and financial security of the country and its citizens. The end product of a lengthy period of meticulous historical and photographic research, conducted by Giuseppe Furno, the Director of the Historical Museum —who also wrote the texts describing the history, key characteristics and use of the vehicles — this work features not only the icons of the past, but also the most notable vehicles currently in use by the Guardia di Finanza, enhanced by the photographs by Roberto Deias, taken in the most evocative locations in the capital, as well as in the province and the municipality of Predazzo. Each vehicle is presented according to its year of registration with the Corps, and is also accompanied by a stock image depicting it in an operational scenario, or highlighting its various different versions and distinctive features.
Giuseppe Furno, MOTORI IN FIAMME GIALLE. ICONE SU STRADA TRA PASSATO E PRESENTE, (FIAMME GIALLE VEHICLES. ICONS ON THE ROAD, FROM PAST TO PRESENT), Publishing entity for the Guardia di Finanza (218 pages, €15, https://acquisti.enteeditoriale.it/prodotto/motori-in-fiamme-gialle/).
MUSEO STORICO DELLA GUARDIA DI FINANZA, ROMA:
HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF THE ITALIAN FINANCE POLICE, ROME:
https://www.gdf.gov.it/it/museo-storico-della-guardia-di-finanza
