The History of MATHE Engines

Intensive training, years of experience in manufacturing high precision micrometers. comparators and other metrology instruments and a long family tradition in metal craftsmanship, are the assets brought by Angelo Mangiacavalli in the founding of "Officine Meccaniche Mangiacavalli".  
                                               

"Angelo Mangiacavalli"

 Investment, skill and reputation soon yielded increasing contracts for development and production of high precision mechanical components ranging from specialized fuel injectors to titanium medical surgical implants. The passion for this work is inherited by his young son Claudio who obtained a degree,with highest honors, in mechanical engineering at the University of Milan,Italy. Soon the young engineer joined the family business and brought the "Mangiacavalli Industries" to a new level. "A.Mangiacavalli & C. s.n.c" is born.                                                                              

The manufacturing, research and development, activities soon expanded to include specialized consultation and developmental studies in robotics and military specs applications. In the midst of these very specialized productions, Claudios passion for racing so present during his student years , is reignited and finds fruit in the commissioned study, development and production of the first MATHE Engine. It is 1979 and the following dates are merely the highlights specific to the R/C engine line.

1979 - A study to develop and possibly produce a 20-25 cc for an R/C airplane engine is commissioned  to the Officine Meccaniche Mangiacavalli .

1980 - the first three prototypes, machined from "solid" (versus casting) and with a 25cc displacement are a reality. Major characteristics: cast iron cylinder, 4 transfer ports, Zimmermann valve and carburetor fead via a mechanical fuel pump .

1981 - First regular production engines are introduced on the market. Configuration: 25 cc glow, rotary disk valve, 4 ports, chromed piston sleeve.

1982 - The 25 cc. evolves reaching the 35 cc. displacement. Concurrently the first 50 cc. twin boxer is going into regular production. Innovative and particular to this motor is the use of the rotary valve.

50 & 70 cc. "Boxer" glow

1983 - The twin cylinder "boxer" grows to 70 cc. bringing the engine line to include a 25 cc. and a 35 cc in the single piston configuration and a 50 cc. and 70 cc. in the twins.

1984 - The love of "Angelo" for the multi-cylinders design brings to life what is the best and more powerful engine in the MATHE line: "the in-line twin". Its construction reaches a new level of engineering sophistication with the use of a double rotary valve and the use of a single carburetor. The design is innovative in all aspects.

1985 - From the experience of the 35 cc glow the first marine version is developed with integral water cooling, magneto ignition and 14mm membrane carburetor.

1985 - Summer: from the very beginning the prototype marine engines set the standard in the European racing circuits and the production of the 35 cc. marine is immediately started.

1986 - MATHE is regularly on the podium at national and European championships. Studies on the 35cc marine powerplant will bring the development of the 30 cc. car for the 1/4 scale class.

1987 - MATHE is now the winning factor. Throughout Europe the 1/4 scale car races are dominated by the 30 cc. and the 35 marine overpowers the competition on all national and international races.

            "^{The first 35 cc. Marino"}

1988 - In compliance with the QSAC 1/4 scale car rules the first 23 cc. "car" is born. After the initial testing the 23 proves itself with outstanding performances in the most important USA races. Prompt local rules changes inhibit the apparent superiority of this engine in the US racing circuit.

1989 - Study begins for new ignition systems with variable advance and external electric battery.

1990 - The first electronic ignition is produced and now it equips the most advanced marine engines. - MATHE is istributed in Europe via a network of specialized distributors and soon the engine becomes known worldwide commanding rave reviews in the specialized press.

1991 - The first gear-box is produced allowing marine hulls to use a twin counter-rotating shaft. The initial model with 1:1.35 ratio will later be joined by the 1:1 and 1:0.75 .

1992 - Evolving from the first electronic ignition a new one is produced specific to the car engines. - The airplane engine line is augmented by the introduction of the gas models; ignition is provided by external capacitor-type unit.

     "35 Competizione - Electronic Ign."

1993 - In the continuing effort to maintain its position at the competitive edge of technology and to better serve the increasing demand from the world market Mangiacavalli Industries joins with Eli-Ka Technologies. It establishes a presence in the USA tapping into the latest of technological advances in microprocessor and computerized technology.  

(left to right)  Ing. Claudio Mangiacavalli, Angelo Mangiacavalli of "Off. Meccaniche A.Mangiacavalli & C.", Luigi G.Girotto,CEO of "Eli-Ka Technologies".

1994 to date ..... MATHE is the engine to beat ... almost at any cost.      

. 

National, European ...

                 World championships.

...

1995 - "Eli-Ka" becomes the official name for the R&D Dept. and the Research Racing Team.  

(click here for a larger immage)

Angelo Mangiacavalli: holding the first "ready to run" hull (*) powered by a MATHE 35 SP to consistantly perform over 60 Mph

  NOW : ... You are looking at MATHE!

(*) Hull is of "Twin Craft" design, Mathe 35 LR SP, surface drive & Prop. 72X125 - All "out of the box"