Vespa: a dynamic spirit for 75 years [PHOTO]

Vespa performs 75 years reaching 19 million specimens produced since the spring of 1946. The patent was filed on 23th April of that year. Since then, not one but millions of stories linked to an idea of ​​style and practical and lively dynamism.

One story, many stories

The history of this mobility icon was previously mentioned. The first Vespa with 2 cc 98-stroke single-cylinder unit it was proposed in two versions: for the "normal" type 55.000 lire were needed, while 61.000 lire was the figure associated with the "luxury" type with some options such as the odometer, the tires with white sidewalls and the side crutch.

Already in the final part of '47 production took off and in the following year the Vespa 125, the successor model to the first Vespa 98. The so-called Vespa "miracle" became effective with constant growth, certified by the 19.822 vehicles produced in 1948. Then, when the production of the first German licensee also took shape in 50, it reached 60.000 vehicles and three years later to 171.200 units. A sign of success was also the interest abroad and Enrico Piaggio himself committed himself to spreading the vehicle, promoting a deep-rooted assistance network in all European countries and around the world. A notoriety also supported by initiatives such as the foundation and diffusion of Vespa Club. There are currently 49 associated National Vespa Clubs and members number 82.000 worldwide, although it is difficult to quantify the number of enthusiasts and the internet pages dedicated to the most famous scooter in the world. Every year national Vespa Clubs and enthusiasts gather for the Vespa World Days. Another example of passion for Vespa.

Returning to the history of the medium, the link with a more international panorama became even more concrete in 1950, just four years after its debut, with production in Germany by the Hoffmann-Werke company of Lintorf and the arrival of new licensees from Great Britain (Douglas of Bristol) and France (ACMA of Paris). Just as production began in 53 in Spain with Moto Vespa SA of Madrid, founded in 1952 and becoming Piaggio España. Other examples are also cited in Jette, near Brussels, then in Bombay and in Brazil. Vespa also arrived in the United States. It reaches production in 13 countries and marketing in 114 countries around the world. Even Australia and South Africa are listed where it began to be known as "Bromponie", the moorland pony, but also Iran and China.
Then there were some interesting versions, recalling the historic production of the three-wheeled motor van in 1948 Ape. Another famous example linked to Piaggio production. They are the results of a marked creativity, in some cases linked to Piaggio itself, but above all the result of the talent of passionate mechanics like Piaggio Vespa-Sidecar or the “Vespa-Alpha” of '67 which, developed with Alpha-Wallis for agent Dick Smart, protagonist of spy films, was designed in a cinematographic way for road travel, flying, sailing and even diving. The French army had at its disposal some examples of Vespa designed to carry weapons and bazookas or others to be dropped from above by paratroopers. The Italian army also requested a parachute scooter from Piaggio in 1963, as remembered.

Several examples over the course of 75 years

Vespa continues to maintain its uniqueness and alchemy that unites style, panache and technical and technological innovation. Production grew over time, reaching increasingly interesting figures up to the very recent milestone of 19 million units.
In November '53 production already reached 500.000 units and in June '56 the millionth model was reached, doubled in 1960 and in turn in 1970 when the milestone of 4 million vehicles was reached. The 10 million barrier was crossed in 1988, further strengthening what had become a real phenomenon of mobility and more.
Among the various stages of the journey, we remember the birth in the 60s of Vespa 50, considering the introduction in Italy of the mandatory license plate for two-wheeled vehicles with a displacement greater than 50 cc. The “Vespino” it was another success within the Piaggio proposal. Also interesting Vespa PX dating back to the late 70s, the single most successful model considering the three million units sold. Just as it is right to remember the Vespa PK 125 Automatic from 1984, the first equipped with an automatic transmission.

In the second half of the 90s, with the achievement of the fiftieth anniversary, the range was introduced Vespa ET4 (the first model with a 4-stroke engine) ed ET2, while arriving in the new century and precisely in 2003 we witnessed the introduction of Granturismo 125 L e 200 L. Then in 2005 new models were proposed: the Vespa LX (50, 125 and 150), the Vespa ET (of which they report over 1996 units sold since 460.000) and the Vespa GTS 250 ie, which fifty years after Vespa GS Gran Sport it has become a new historic production chapter given the adoption of a powerful 250 cc 4-valve liquid-cooled engine with electronic injection.
In the year of the sixtieth anniversary, 2006, three other interesting examples were introduced: Vespa GTV, Vespa LXV and the celebratory one Vespa GT 60°. Instead a reference to the past, precisely to the lines of the 70s, was represented in 2007 by Vespa S. While in May 2008 the Vespa GTS 300 Super, the 145th model and also the best performing and with the largest displacement produced up to then.

More recently, other interesting stages occurred in 2011 with the introduction of the research Vespa 946, with a clear reference in the name to the year of birth of Vespa. The arrival of Vespa Primavera in 2013 with 50, 125 and 150 displacements, re-proposing the idea of ​​the "Vespino" in a contemporary key. Then the technological evolution is projected strongly forward with the Vespa Elettrica in 2018 (currently offered in versions with a maximum speed limited to 45 km/h and 70 km/h), finally the new special series marks the 75th anniversary Wasp 75th limited to 2021 with a distinctive look and linked to the GTS and Primavera models.

Photo: Vespa