Enzo

“From the coal mine to the race track” is the fascinating story of the Italian Bevilacqua family that, in the early 1950’s, moved from the south of Italy to the Belgian Borinage region to go working in the coal mine. Vincenzo (Enzo), the 2nd eldest son of the family, was not prepared to deal with the tough conditions of work as a coal miner. Instead he founded a small workshop for the maintenance and repair of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles called “Garage ENZO”. In the beginning he sold mainly Ducati motorcycles. Soon after Enzo’s younger brothers Alfredo and Nicola also joined the company. From 1960 onwards Garage ENZO was appointed as the Belgian importer of the Bologna based Italian brands Moto B.M. and Moto Morini. This was the start of a very profilic period for the fast growing company which resulted also in very active participation in the Belgian motorcycle competition. Many local races were won on motorcycles made available by ENZO. In many occasions the brothers themselves, not without succes, participated in many road and off road events.Around 1970 ENZO was appointed as importer of that other famous Italian brand Laverda. The brothers then started with their own race team called “TEAM ENZO”. During the following years the team became renowed for the preparation of Laverda racing bikes and was succesful in 24 hours endurance racing, hill climbing and the Belgian road racing championship.During the years some great names like Roger De Coster, Didier De Radigues, Stephane Mertens etc. participated in several branches of the motorcycle competition all on motorcycles provided by the Bevilacqua brothers. The common thread in this icredible story is the enduring dedication and passion by Italian immigrants for the motorsport.An incredible story which soon will be continued on these pages.

Oscar Pastro on a Moto Morini Settebello 250 at the Natoye road track august 1968.

Nijvel april 1976: Didier De Radigues on a Moto Morini 3 1/2 prepared by Alfredo Bevilacqua.

A trio of race prepared Settbello’s. From left to right Leon Capart, Vicenzo Bevilacqua and Alfredo Bevilacqua.

Vicenzo Bevilacqua with his van, loaded with Moto Morini bikes ready to go to a race event.

Phillip Toussaint on a Moto Morini Settebello, enlarged to 250cc, at the start of a race for the Belgian 250 Championship at the Mettet circuit May 1964.

Garage ENZO around 1960. Proud owner Enzo Bevilacqua, in white overalls, is showing an all new Moto Morini Setebello 175.