After the peak of moped sales in Italy in 1980[2] and its eventual decline, Malanca moved on to larger-engined bikes.

The company struggled, however, as it had spent much of its time and resources on the 125cc scooters as well as on research for, and development of, the smaller 50cc-engined bikes for both racing and regular sales.

[citation needed] Malanca made their racing debut in 1968 with riders Walter Villa and Otello Buscherini winning six championships in the 50cc and 60cc classes.

Buscherini also won twice in the 125 GP and died whilst competing for Malanca in the 1976 Nations motorcycle Grand Prix.

After the death of their champion racer Malanca withdrew from competitions appearing only twice more, once in 1978 with the JPS (John Player Special) colours and again in 1985 in the 250GP with Stefano Caracchi, with little success.