Laverda originally produced agricultural machinery but began to build motorcycles in the late 1940s. Francesco Laverda made his small 75cc four stroke machines to be raced and saw success in the long distance events of the time such as the Giro d'Italia and Milano-Taranto.

In the 1950s Laverda sales began to suffer as a result of cheap cars like the Fiat 500 becoming available. A change of focus was necessary and the company began to produce larger sports oriented machines in the 1960s. Beginning with 650cc four strokes they increased in size 750cc shortly afterwards. The tourer and sportster models did well and Laverda soon became known as a maker of exotic and fast sportsbikes.

Laverda became best known for producing three cylinder machines. The 3C of 1973 was a success but it was at the request of the company's British importer that this bike was modified to become the legendary Jota.

The Jota proved it's worth on the track and was the fastest most exotic bike available for the roads throughout the 1970s. It's bright orange paintwork was unmissable but with a top speed of 140mph it would not be in sight for long.

Unfortunately the Jota was a success that was not to be repeated in the 1980s and the company went into receivership in 1987. The company has been revived since with models such as the Diamante 668 and the 750s but generally these models have failed to sell as well as hoped.