One of Italy's greatest commercial successes – the Vespa scooter – celebrates its 75th anniversary this year with the launch of new, limited editions of the series Primavera and GTS, only available during 2021 and destined to become collectors' pieces. The new models have their own special features and a brand new metallic yellow colour, labelled Giallo 75th.
The first single model motor scooters were launched by the Piaggio engineering company of Pontedero in Tuscany in 1946. Designed by aeronautic engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, the prototype was created from spare aircraft parts, pieces of landing gear from Mussolini's wartime airships. Contrary to popular legend, the name Vespa (“wasp” in Italian) was not inspired by the buzzing of its engine but instead by its silhouette, seen from above by factory owner Enrico Piaggio who said it reminded him of the shape of a wasp.
The elegant little city scooter revolutionized the concept of the cumbersome old army motorcycle and was instantly seen as a symbol of freedom and youth. The Vespa became a worldwide icon with its starring role in the film “Roman Holiday” with Hollywood actor Gregory Peck as a young reporter, zipping around the streets of the Eternal City with the Princess-in-disguise Audrey Hepburn perched on the pillion.
As soon as the pandemic lockdown is over, fans will be able to enjoy a visit to the Vespa Museum, inaugurated in 2000 inside the old tooling area in the historic Piaggio factory floor. Meanwhile, virtual tours are available on the museum website.
