Massimo Di Marco was born in 1972, in Sicily, which is the largest Italian island off the southern Italian coast.  He grew up in Palermo, Sicily’s capital, where Vespa’s are used for transportation and business.  His father, Antonino Di Marco, began working as a Vespa and Lambretta mechanic in Palermo in the fifties. 

Massimo began to have a fascination with Scooters and began to dream about someday becoming a Service Mechanic. His father, Antonino, noticed his passion for Scooters and when Massimo was seven, began to take him to the shop with him after school. Massimo was more interested in hanging out with his Papa' at the shop than playing with the kids Massimo had a talent for working on Scooters. At twelve, he began to work as a Service Assistant Mechanic after school. His boss, Franco Reina, was impressed on how quickly Massimo learned each and every day.  A few years later Massimo was able to assemble and tune engine’s on his own.  Years and years later, he became proficient in diagnosing various types of Scooter engines almost just by listening to them.  He was a born mechanic.

Understanding Massimo’s passion for Italian Scooters, his Papa' helped him open a shop just down their cobblestone street. Within ninety days, Massimo had many clients and was so busy that he ended up hiring two other mechanics to train and work under him. 

Massimo owned and operated his own Italian Scooter Service for five years in Palermo, without a vacation. So, he finally decided to take a much deserved one. He asked his Papa' to look after his business and went on vacation, ending up in California to visit his aunt. While he was there, he met his future wife and they eventually married in 1999. He took his new bride back to Italy to meet the family, where they stayed in Palermo and Tuscany for a year.

“California Dreamin’”

After returning to California, Massimo worked for Vespa of California from 2001 to 2005.  He was their Lead Service mechanic, and became service manager of their four locations; Newport, San Diego, Shearman Oaks and Santa Monica.

After leaving Vespa of California in 2005, Massimo began servicing and restoring Italian Scooters out of his home garage. “Word of mouth” spread that Massimo was honest, reliable, courteous, professional and fair to all. His business boomed accordingly.

With his strong work ethic and growing list of steady clients, Massimo was able to save enough money to open his own shop for servicing and restoring vintage and new models.

Massimo Scooter Shop opened in July 2006. Massimo Di Marco is now pleased to offer his professional services to Italian scooter aficionados throughout Southern California.