VESPA, THE STING THAT HAS LASTED FOR 75 YEARS

Written by Isabelle

16 September 2021

Icon of elegance and symbol of the Dolce Vita, the Vespa is celebrating its 75th birthday this year.

To commemorate this anniversary, the company Piaggio & C. S.p.a., founded in 1884, is launching the Vespa 75e special series painted in a metallic yellow Giallo 75e. Up for grabs in 50 cc, 125 cc and 150 cc on the Primavera model and 125 cc and 300 cc on the GTS, the limited edition will be available only in 2021.

With more than 19 million units sold worldwide, the stylish scooter remains one of the best known Made in Italy products. Patented on April 23, 1946, the “motorcycle made from an assembly of parts and components with a combined frame, fenders and hood, covering the entire mechanical section,” instills a joie de vivre in an Italy that is rising from it’s ashes after the devastation of World War II.

Revolutionary concept

The Vespa revolutionized the prevailing concept of the time in classic motorcycle design. The traditional architecture gave way to a body that protected the rider from dirt and reduced the chance of creasing his clothes! The shape of the bodywork and the buzz from the engine could be at the origin of its name, which means wasp in italian.

The first 2,000 examples built in steel came out of the Pontedera factory in Tuscany with a 98 cc single-cylinder motor. For 75 years, Vespas have been manufactured in an uninterrupted way. Two other factories, in India and in Vietnam, now sustain the production of the legendary scooter.

Timeless Icon

A timeless icon of Italian design, the Vespa has retained its strong identity associated with freedom and emancipation despite its 75 years. Innovative, it has left its mark on the evolution of individual mobility. “For some time now, Vespa has gone far beyond its function as an easy and elegant means of transport to become a global brand, a symbol of Italian technology and style, capable of uniting millions of enthusiasts in its name,” concludes the Piaggio Group.

Photo credit: Piaggio Group

Vacanze Romane, 1953 with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Lenght: 01:28

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