Southsiders MC has published a wonderful collection of photos of 5-times Italian Motorcycle Champion (250cc/175cc) and 1928 European Champion (175cc), Alfredo Panella. The photos were scanned from a reader’s grandfather’s collection. My quick search for Alfredo turns up little information—surprising for a rider of his profile with a long career: 1924-1939. It makes me wonder what other racing drivers have slipped through the cracks of history. It’s an amazing pity to consider the number of drivers and motorcyclists that were once well-known heroes and are largely forgotten only a few decades later. This is just one of the reasons why I believe so passionately in the idea of getting films and photos out of the shoeboxes in grandpa’s closet and onto the web.
Head on over to Southsiders for the complete gallery.