Pierpaolo Vivaldi:
from Airstream to desert rallies with Pakelo

Published: 19 December 2023

We made Pierpaolo’s acquaintance several years ago and were bowled over by his charisma.

Pierpaolo Vivaldi is a young guy with a vision, who started out with a slightly crazy idea that has led him to attain incredible goals. Officine Vivaldi is, in fact, the largest special road vehicle fleet in Europe and the road to reach this milestone has been long and full of surprises! Pierpaolo and his family have faced challenges and obstacles together, united by their undying love for their workshop.

Officine Vivaldi’s story is one of emotions, passions and engines: a story that Pakelo wanted to recount in this interview with its key figure.


Who is Pierpaolo Vivaldi and how you describe yourself?

I am a guy who has never taken no for an answer ever since I was a kid. I always wanted to see the goals I set for myself through to the end, even if at first glance they seemed very difficult or even impossible.

I have to say, however, that what I have managed to build over the years gives me immense satisfaction. I took over my dad’s old mechanical workshop and from there, I set out to follow my dreams with the people I love and surrounded by motor vehicles.

How did your love for restoring special vehicles come about?

The idea was literally conceived on the road. I was driving one day when I saw an airstream travel trailer abandoned in a parking lot and that’s when I had an epiphany. I started doing some research to see if they were already being used in Italy or if anyone was already involved in the recovery and restoration of airstreams. I realised that no one in Italy had done that yet so I decided to have a go myself.

I bought the Airstream without having any clear idea of what was needed to fulfil my dream. So, I studied all the steps and proceeded with the vehicle certification and registration.

The airstream, however, was just the first vehicle - we then added American school buses, caravans and vintage vans which we completely overhaul to create rental vehicles for a variety of purposes.

 
We know that you really love motorbikes as much as four-wheel vehicles. Where does this love for motorcycle rallies come from?

My love for motorbikes and desert racing has always been an integral part of Officine Vivaldi and my life. Over the last few years, I have taken an increasing interest in rallies in Africa and this has been not only a sporting experience but a human one as well that has totally changed my life.

One of the things that struck me is that the desert creates a level playing field. The priorities you have in your normal life change - you see people living with much less and you realise that you don't need as nearly as much as you thought you did to live well.


We know that Officine Vivaldi is a family on the road. Tell us about the people who are part of it.

I set out on this adventure with my brother-in-law and then, Domitilla came along and over time, we have put together a tried and tested, fully functioning team.

So, Officine Vivaldi is a family business: everything revolves around the family. I work in the same shed that my dad worked in. Today, however, I am Carlo’s dad and I work close to home so I can spend time with him and look after him. Domitilla and I take it in turns and support each other so we can find the right balance between our work, passions and family.

How did the partnership with Pakelo come about and why did you choose it to supply motor oils?

I have always used Pakelo for my vehicles. I had to drive a long way for work towing vehicles or even going to the desert, so I wanted the best motor oil on the market. I knew that by choosing Pakelo, I could rely on top-quality lubricants and motor oils for my vehicles, both for the motorbikes and special vehicles.

When I finally had the pleasure of getting to directly know Pakelo as a company, we started collaborating more closely. I not only discovered that they are a family business too, but I have always had a great relationship with everyone I have worked with. So, what more can you have? A staff that works well, a high-performance engine product with fun thrown in too!

Let’s take a look at the future. What is your next goal? What are you working on?

I can confidently say that I am already living a dream, but if I had to set myself new goals, then the first one would be to create a motorcycle rally racing team. Not so much with the goal of winning, but rather to take people to the desert so they can find out for themselves what a great place it is.

At the end of the year, I’m taking part in the Africa Eco Race. I’ll be setting off with a few friends and I’m really excited at the prospect. I am already starting to take the first few steps in realising this dream.

SUGGESTED FOR YOU

Categories

Subscribe to our Pakelo Magazine newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest trends and news from the Pakelo world
Sector *
SECTORS
DEALERS
Manage cookies
SECTORS
DEALERS
CERTIFICATIONS
Report - Whistleblowing

© Pakelo Motor Oil S.p.A. a s.u. 2024 - All rights reserved - P.Iva 01876150234 | Credits

Log in to your profile

Log in to your profile to access your reserved area

Or

DON'T HAVE AN ACCOUNT YET?
Back to homepage