The Best of the Legendary Vespa Scooters
Vespa scooters are still among the most popular means of transport, especially in Italy. In the seventy years of its existence, the company has manufactured many models of this legendary brand. The popularity is due to the unique design, long tradition and favourable dimensions, which make Vespa scooters highly desirable even in the 21st Century.
A legend is born
The unique Italian Vespa scooter first saw the light of the world in 1964 in Rome. It became an instant favourite. The first model was called Vespa 98 and 16,500 units were produced in the second series.
The factory and name were created by entrepreneur Enrico Piaggio. The first model of the Vespa was manufactured in 1944 and was called the MP5, or Peperino, which means a duckling in Italian. However, this model was not a success. It was only its transformation that evoked positive emotions in Enrico, and he shouted out that this beautiful new scooter looks like wasp (vespa in Italian). Hence the name was decided upon and a legend was born in the most desirable scooter in the world. Join us in browsing the following gallery of the most interesting models in the company’s history.
Vespa Siluro (Torpedo): the fastest
This model from 1951 produced a prestigious record for the factory: this model could drive 1 kilometre in 21.4 seconds at an average speed of 171.1 km/h.
Vespa 125 U: the collectors’ favourite
Only 7,000 units of the Vespa 125 U model were manufactured in 1953, making it one of the most popular models among collectors. The letter U means Utility, and it was produced as an economic model. It sold on the market for 110 USD.
Vespa 150 Side-Car: with a sidecar
Between 1948 and 1949, the first Vespa with a sidecar appeared on the market. It enabled comfortable and stable travelling over longer distances. The sidecar was made of sheet metal, assembled by hand and attached to the Vespa with one pipe. It offered excellent performance even on snowy surfaces and steep slopes.
Vespa 150 GS: the most beautiful design
Model GS 150 of the 1950’s became an important milestone in the history of scooters – not just the Vespa brand but the market as a whole. It was the most beautiful scooter ever made. In the 1950’s the market changed considerably and Vespa became a symbol of young people who wanted to be different.
Vespa 150 T.A.P.: for military purposes
In the 1950’s the French ministry of defence asked Piaggio to develop a vehicle for military purposes. The result is considered rather unusual. This unique Vespa model, only some 600 units of which were manufactured between 1956 and 1959, was used by the Foreign Legion and airborne corps. The Vespa TAP equipped with a 75 mm gun, space for additional ammunition, two fuel canisters and a small cart. The model was made in two camouflage colours: green and beige.
Vespa 400: 4-wheel scooter
The peak of success - Vespa found itself at the pinnacle of success when it developed a 4-wheel Vespa with a two-tact rear engine. Operation of the Vespa 400 was launched in 1957 and 3,000 units of this model were produced.
Vespa Alpha: in film
This scooter starred in the action flick Dick Smart, Agent 2007 with Richard Wyler, Margaret Lee and Rosanna Tapados. The scooter in the film was able to drive on roads, fly like a helicopter and operate as a submarine.
Vespa 946 Armani: with the famous fashion house logo
2015 saw the celebration of the 40th year anniversary since the foundation of the luxury Armani brand, while the Piaggio Group celebrated its 130th anniversary. For this occasion, the Emporio Armani brand designed a special edition Vespa 946 with a unique combination of greys with a slight touch of green, which is visible only under specific light conditions.
The models currently on offer can be found on the Vespa website. It has prepared special editions of the most popular models in history for its 70th anniversary.
