The man who personally elevated the Italian motorcycle industry to its current role as world leader and the businessman who excelled with MV Agusta, Cagiva, Ducati and Husqvarna brands has left us. Claudio Castiglioni, the charismatic president of MV Agusta, died this morning Auugust 17, 2011 in Varese, Italy, after fighting a long illness. He was 64 years old.
After his experience in the family business’s specializing in metalworking and manufacturing, in 1978 Castiglioni founded the company Cagiva which continually developed new and innovative motorcycles that have influenced the direction of the Italian and world motorcycle markets through the 1980’s and 1990’s. Intuitive, tenacious, and a true visionary, these qualities drove Claudio Castiglioni to purchase the historic brands like Ducati, Husqvarna and MV Agusta. Coupled with his vision, diligence, hard work and financial investment these brands have once again become the protagonist of the two wheeled market.
Castiglioni was the man behind such motorcycles as the Cagiva Elefant and Mito, the Ducati 916 and Monster and the MV Agusta F4 and Brutale; and more recently the MV Agusta F3 and Brutale 675. Racing was always an important part of Castiglioni’s passion. In addition to winning 500cc GPs with Cagiva, Ducati dominated World Superbike racing under Castiglioni’s watch and Husky also earned championships in Enduro, Motocross and Supermotard.
For the past year, the President has left the guidance of MV Agusta to his son Giovanni, who has been by his side during many of the battles that have formed the story of the manufacture in Varese, Italy.
The Monster legend passes. One guy who did a lot while he was here.
What a loss…
Claudio’s personality outshines all he did in motorcycling. Such a joy to be around, always welcomed you as part of the family.
Claudio ~ Wheelie with the Angels! I know you and Francisco are sliding bikes together in heaven.
Rest in Peace Claudio
The Ducati 916 and the MV Agusta F4 will forever be two of the most beautiful production motorcycles ever designed. Definitely a big loss, but just glad such a talented man devoted his abilities to the motorcycle world. RIP.
Kudos to the man who one upped the Motor Co
Well done.
Rest in peace.
Sad day as Cancer takes another icon much too early! Rest in Peace Claudio.
Truly a great leader in our industry
Didn’t know him just of him. He single handed “Laid” Harley Davidson away. He sold them a Company that Built 100 Bikes a Year for 70 mil and bought it back for 2 or 3 Mil. I called that being laid away. The Suits done Fu_ Ked up ! R.I.P. Claudio knowing that beside all the Wonderful achievements that you did for the Industry, you also left your Family in great shape, financially.
AMAZING MAN..DONT FORGET CYRIL, HE SOLD MV AGUSTA TO HARLEY FOR 46 MILLION PLUS EURO’S AND BOUGHT IT BACK FOR 3 EUROS..HE DID THAT BEFORE TO PROTON…FOR 70 MILLION AND BOUGHT IT BACK FOR 7 EUROS…VERY SMART BUSINESSMAN.
Sounds like A 1 Cycles, anouncing what izadore007 already said. Claudio had a Jewish Attorney helping to concieve those Deals.
Very sad to hear of Claudio’s passing. He was truly the Godfather of the modern Italian motorcycle industry.
produced the finest EVER!!,( in my eyes anyway) ultimate 125 screamer Cagiva wmx125….I had first 81(silver streak..bald fin head) in ireland and now 30yrs later bought last of breed 89 (white and blue chassis) still a ‘ripper’ of an Evo. Thanks Claudio for the future classics,and every blessing to Giovanni in running ‘all’ the companies.