Vespa turns 75 - 1946 to 2021
75 years ago, on 23 April 1946, the Vespa was registered for patent. A true success story began, a design icon was born. And one of the first globalisation products of the modern age. The Vespa has changed and shaped cities and streets around the globe. As an expression of freedom, independence and mobility, it took centre stage in the 1960s, a time of great social change, revolutionary music trends and the emergence of a new youth culture in Europe. In addition, the Italian cult scooter has accompanied the economic growth of countries and entire continents.
The Vespa - a style icon
The Vespa is probably the most timeless vehicle you can imagine. Still modern today, at the same time wonderfully nostalgic. Not for nothing has the Vespa become the generic term for scooters of all kinds. There is a Vespa in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and quite a few Hollywood stars prefer to travel with theirs than with their Ferrari.
In February 1946, the iconic Vespa Logo was unveiled and patented at the Piaggio factory in Pontedera.
Much has already been written about the history of the Vespa. For those who are particularly interested, here are a few book tips:
Book "Vespa 70 YEARS" The complete history from 1946
Vespa Special Models for the 75th birthday
For their 75th birthday, the Vespa models Primavera and GTS are presented as the Special Edition Vespa 75th. Manufactured exclusively in the anniversary year 2021, the Primavera 50 and 125 as well as the GTS 125 and 300 are available as Special Editions from Vespa dealers.
The chassis of the Vespa 75th is made of steel, as it always has been, and comes in yellow "Giallo Metallic 75th". A contemporary interpretation of colours that were popular in the 1940s. A colour that reflects the innovative spirit and trendy style.
Elegant, discreet, the anniversary number "75" of the Special Edition models stands out tone-in-tone on the right and left of the rear as well as on the front mudguard from the basic colour tone. The horn cover, a classic stylistic element of every Vespa, adorns the front in "Giallo Pirite". The comfortable seat with nubuck leather upholstery and colour-coordinated piping in grey Grigio Fumo is elegantly finished. The rims are painted grey with a diamond cut. Numerous details with the finest chrome finish skilfully round off the high-quality look of the Vespa 75th. Vespa is also releasing a beautiful 75th anniversary helmet that you can order from us.
The rear bag on the chrome-plated folding luggage rack is another attractive stylistic element of the Special Edition. Tone-in-tone with the seat, it is made of velvety nubuck leather. In the shape of a spare wheel, its appearance is reminiscent of the old days when a spare wheel was part of the typical outfit of a Vespa. With a carrying handle, shoulder strap and quick-release fastener, the "spare wheel" is fashionable and chic in iconic style. To protect it from wind and weather, the bag also has a waterproof rain cover.
Like all Special Editions, the Vespa 75th is adorned with a very special logo.
Top in terms of technology, the cockpit of the 125cc and 300cc Vespa 75th is equipped with a fully digital 4.3-inch TFT colour display and its own multimedia platform, via which a smartphone can be connected to the onboard electronics.
But that's not all: each Special Edition comes with an exclusive Welcome Kit with an elegant scarf made of 100% jacquard silk "Made in Italy", a vintage plaque, a special Owner Book and eight picture cards with motifs from eight decades of Italian cult scooter history.
Facts and figures about the Vespa
With almost 19 million vehicles sold to date, the Vespa is one of the most successful industrial products of all time. It connects entire generations across all continents and stands for a lifestyle full of freedom and individuality.
Today, the Vespa is as successful as it was in the 60s and 70s. While a total of 58,000 vehicles were produced in 2004, the number rose to over 100,000 units in 2006. In 2017, the 180,000 mark was reached. In 2018, the figure of 200,000 units was exceeded. In total, over 1.8 million cult scooters have been produced in the last ten years.
Today, the Vespa is manufactured at three locations. This means it is also globally positioned in terms of production. In Pontedera / Italy, the scooter has been built continuously since 1946 for Europe, the western markets and for America.
In Vinh Phuc / Vietnam, production takes place for the local market and the Far East.
For the Indian market, it has been manufactured in the ultra-modern plant in Baramati / India since 2012.
SIP TV Video: "Which Vespa Models exist?"
