There are few surnames better known and loved in Bergamo than that of the Dall’Ara family. Dedicated since the beginning of the last century to the world of two wheels, just a few days ago Sandro, brother of fellow driver Franco Dall’Ara and founder of the official Honda dealership in the area, with the help of the Italian subsidiary of the brand, said goodbye to us. In short, a whole life dedicated to the world of motorcycles, as its story tells from its beginnings.
The motorcycle came from Sandro Dall’Ara’s birthplace
It was his grandfather Urbano who opened the first motorcycle workshop in Bergamo in 1929. The business later passed into the hands of his son Aldo and, after the Second World War, to his brothers Luciano, Franco, Ezio and Sandro. For years, the latter combined his professional career as a pilot with the management of the family business. Something that he exercised with determination and good work, as remembered by the people closest to him in his family environment.
From 1962 until the mid-seventies he competed actively, winning among others the CONI Prize at just 18 years of age. The following year he would do the same with the FMI Trophy, and then the Italian Junior Championship. “In 1966 he stood out in Valli Bergamasche and in 1967 he won the provincial title”the In Sella colleagues tell in detail.
They conclude: “Among the most important results of his career are the two gold medals in the Six International Days of Regularity, obtained in 1968 in San Pellegrino Terme and in 1969 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen”. It was in 1972 when the Dall’Ara family founded the first motorcycle dealership in the area. In 1978, its collaboration agreement with Honda began, with 1982 being a key moment in business operations:
“Honda Italia entrusted Dall’Ara with the marketing of the XR family, initially in the Italian market and later also in Europe. This relationship also brought the Dall’Ara name to the competition: in 1998, Gian Marco Rossi, with the Hondathey clarify from the Italian media.
For 2006 Honda Dall’Ara moves to the large headquarters on Via Carducci in Bergamo, being one of the Japanese brand’s reference points in the area during all these years. Sadly, the dealership will permanently close its doors in 2025. Many have echoed the news on social networks, among them the Bergamo sports team Scuderia Fulvio Norelli, which maintained a close relationship with the driver and businessman:
“Two gold medals in the Six Days, a life dedicated to motorcycles and a family that marked the history of Italian motorcycling. Thank you, Sandro, for everything you taught us. Your legacy lives on in the wheels of those who loved you.” As always, from the SMN editorial team, we can only join in the general condolences within the world of motorcycle and competition, sending an affectionate condolence to the family and friends of Sandro Dall’Ara.
